15th Annual Seaside Sunset, COA Celebrates Environmental Education Programs

L to R: Seaside Sunset Committee Member Debbie Disakis,
COA Executive Director Cindy Zipf and
Seaside Sunset Committee Chair Ann Gilmartin

Vibrant music, dedicated coastal supporters, and delightful food and drink from area businesses and local restaurants set the scene for the 15^th Annual Sunset event, a benefit for Clean Ocean Action (COA), Thursday, October 10 at McLoone’s Pier House in Long Branch, NJ.  This year’s event supported Clean Ocean Action’s environmental education programs.

COA’s environmental education programs include Beach Sweeps, the largest grassroots environmental event in New Jersey with thousands of volunteers cleaning waterways up and down the coast.  Clean Ocean Action also holds a biannual Student Summit where students become marine scientists for a day and experience hands-on marine environmental education at Sandy Hook, NJ.  School presentations to students of all ages are an additional component of COA’s programs.

The Sunset event gathered supporters of Clean Ocean Action, including ocean enthusiasts, local organizations and corporate partners.  The evening’s menu included a delicious raw bar by Lusty Lobster Seafood Market & Catering, a unique spread of artisan cheeses by Sickles Market, and a buffet designed by McLoone’s Chef Joe Racioppi.  Music for dancing was provided by local favorites and long-time COA supporters - Thom White and The Rogues.  The event invitation featured an image from New Jersey native and dedicated COA ally Ryan Struck, an award-winning surfing photographer.

“Defending the ocean is serious work, but the Seaside Sunset is a fun way to support the ocean.  Fellow friends of the ocean gathered, enjoyed fabulous food from the sea, and had a rocking good time,” said Clean Ocean Action Executive Director Cindy Zipf.   “Our education programs motivate people about how they can make a difference and become the solution to ocean pollution,” she added. 

Plymouth Rock Assurance enjoying the event

Seaside Sunset is sponsored by Plymouth Rock Assurance, The McManus Family, Shore Point Distributing Co., The Bailey Family, Litwin & Provence, LLC, Montecalvo Material Recovery Facility, and Guaranteed Plants & Florist. COA’s auction and raffles were filled with unique, ocean-friendly gifts and services with a focus on New York and New Jersey shops and restaurants.