The Sunset Soirée to Benefit Clean Ocean Action was a "sunsational" success!

On Friday, September 19, 2025, Clean Ocean Action was proud to host our sold-out Sunset Soirée at the Rumson Country Club’s Riverhouse! Guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner, and dancing as we celebrated 40 years of Clean Ocean Action’s Beach Sweeps program and mission to protect and defend the ocean. The night closed with a live auction with Siobhan Fallon Hogan and lively music from Brian Kirk and the Jirks.

WAVES OF THANKS to our honorees, Valerie and Frank Montecalvo and Honorable Joe and Susan Kyrillos. Valerie and Frank received the Ocean Champions Leadership Award for Decades of Unwavering and Epic Vision, Innovation, Leadership, and Generosity Improving and Protecting the Marine Ecosystem and Advancing Sustainability. Hon. Joe and Susan were honored with the Ocean Friendship Legacy Award for Unwavering Community Engagement and Pioneering Leadership in Environmental Sustainability. Their decades of service and advocacy inspire us all.

We are deeply grateful to Event Chair Grace Hanlon and Honorary Chairs Chris and Maria Maher, as well as our sponsors, underwriters, donors, and volunteers who made the evening possible. Special thanks to our sponsors:

• Sea Saver Sponsor: Montecalvo Bayshore
• Beachy Clean Defender Sponsor: OceanFirst Bank
• Clean Coast Crusaders Sponsors: Louise & Larry Hall, Anthony “Buddy” Hanlon & Family, Hon. Joe & Susan Kyrillos
• Salt Water Guardians Sponsors: Jennifer Beck & Danny Shields, Cg Tax, Audit & Advisory, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Bruce Meyer, Robbyn & Joseph O’Neill, Joan Rechnitz
• Additional donors: Doug Douty of Lusty Lobster, Chef David Burke, Meg O'Brien, Brian Kirk, Daisy Chocolates, DaphNew Designs, and In the Garden

Thanks to the support of our community, volunteers, sponsors, and underwriters, COA's Sunset Soirée was a resounding success and strengthened our fight for a cleaner, safer ocean for generations to come! Scroll down to see photos captured by Tom Zapcic.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL OF TOM ZAPCIC'S SUNSATIONAL PHOTOS!