On August 23rd, Project Zero hosted its 4th annual Celebration for Coral fundraiser at Maison Close Southampton, bringing together ocean advocates, artists, conservationists and the Hamptons community for an afternoon dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans and restoring vital coral reef ecosystems.
The event followed Project Zero’s Sagaponack beach clean initiative, continuing the organization’s summer-long commitment to environmental action and ocean awareness. Guests gathered for a seated brunch in support of Project Zero’s Coral Collective, with 100% of ticket proceeds benefiting the organization’s ongoing coral reef restoration and marine conservation projects.
Hosted by Project Zero ambassadors Alexandra Richards, Sailor Brinkley Cook, and Christie Brinkley, Georgia Cohen and Kelly Brady, the afternoon featured inspiring remarks by Project Zero’s new CEO Angeline Chen highlighting the urgency of protecting marine ecosystems, including discussions surrounding Project Zero’s 30 Reefs Initiative, which aims to accelerate coral reef restoration efforts around the world, with the next project being in Turks and Caicos.
In true Maison Close fashion, the afternoon wasn’t all speeches and fundraising. Guests were surprised with a dazzling burlesque performance that transformed the elegant brunch into an unforgettable spectacle. Feathers, glamour and theatrical flair brought an unexpected energy to the celebration, with guests cheering as the performance turned the afternoon into one of the Hamptons’ most memorable charity events of the summer—proving that ocean conservation can be both meaningful and unforgettable.
A curated charity auction showcased exclusive artwork, luxury experiences and one-of-a-kind donated items, with all proceeds supporting Project Zero’s Coral Collective. Highlights included works by Faith Ringgold, Gabriela Hearst, Brianna Lance, Vin + Omi and Will Poulter, alongside luxury pieces such as the Tamara Comolli Shopping Experience, A+O x Grateful Dead Cody Vegan Moto Jacket, Simkhai Monet Clutch and the immersive Atabey Experience—a six-day conservation journey in the Dominican Republic combining coral restoration, mangrove planting and ocean exploration. The auction remains open.
This year’s event was generously supported by Holiday Vodka, I am the Ocean, The Art Luxury House, Malfy Gin, Tequila Purísima, Little Saints and Wölffer Estate Vineyard.
Each year, Celebration for Coral unites the Hamptons community around the shared goal of protecting our oceans while raising critical funds to support healthier marine ecosystems for generations to come.
