On Saturday, August 10th, more than thirty volunteers — locals, weekenders, and a few famous faces — fanned out across Montauk’s shoreline for Project Zero’s third annual Hamptons cleanup, this year in partnership with the Surf Lodge. Buckets and gloves in hand, they filled four heavy bags with the bits of plastic, bottle caps, and cast-off summer clutter that threaten the ocean. The Dream Bus from non-profit 8 Billion Dreams rolled in to join the effort, adding to the morning’s sense of purpose.
By sunset, the scene had shifted to The Surf Lodge. Guests gathered overlooking Fort Pond to raise funds for Project Zero’s Coral Collective, a campaign devoted to safeguarding and restoring coral reefs around the world. The evening included live sets from Alexandra Richards, Malice K, Jordan Emanuel, and Grace Bowers.
Midway through, attention turned to a curated art auction that felt part gallery opening, part spirited bidding war. Works by James Goldcrown, Jake Clark, Bradley Theodore, and others drew competitive offers, with every dollar headed directly to coral restoration projects.
Drinks flowed courtesy of Holiday Vodka, Astral Tequila, Wölffer Estate Vineyard, and Fisher’s Island Lemonade.
For Project Zero, events like this are about more than fundraising — they’re about reminding people what’s at stake. The organization is working to create a global network of protected ocean sanctuaries, coral reefs, and blue carbon ecosystems, leaning on a tight-knit community of partners, ambassadors, and supporters to turn the tide on the climate crisis.
[Fundraising Event at Surf Lodge Photos – BFA – Madison McGaw ]
