Saturday June 21, 2026 · The Plaza · New York City ★
14th annual benefit gala

The Lighthouse Gala
2026.

An evening for everyone who has ever loved a coastline, and wants to make sure there is still one to love in 2046.

Date
Saturday June 21, 2026Cocktails 6:00pm · Dinner 7:30pm
Venue
The Plaza HotelGrand Ballroom · 5th Avenue, NYC
Dress
Black tieSequins enthusiastically welcomed
Raised so far$1.84M
Of our goal$2.5M
Our mission

Protecting 240 miles
of American coastline.

Since 2012, the Coast Foundation has helped fund the protection of 240 miles of American coastline — through wetland restoration, sea-grass replanting, and community-led shoreline cleanups, across eleven states from Maine to the Florida Keys.

The 2026 Gala benefits two new initiatives: Project Anchor, a youth-leadership program in coastal Louisiana, and a five-year sea-grass restoration trial across Cape Cod Bay.

Honorary chairs · Mr. and Mrs. Charles Whittaker · co-founders, 2012
240
Miles protectedAcross 11 states · since 2012
$48M
Raised to dateAcross 13 prior galas
14,820
VolunteersAcross 38 coastal communities
96¢
Per dollar to programsIndependently audited · 2025

Reserve your seat.

Every ticket is 100% tax-deductible. Tables of ten available · $40,000 and above.

Supporter

Single seat

$2,500
tax-deductible
  • Cocktail reception · 6:00pm
  • Three-course dinner · 7:30pm
  • Live auction + dancing
  • Recognition in program
42 of 60 remain
Lighthouse

Major gift

$100,000
tax-deductible
  • Premium table of ten
  • Named program initiative
  • Honorary chair invitation
  • Annual report dedication
By arrangement
In tribute

Tribute gift

Any
amount welcome
  • Cannot attend? Give in honor of someone else
  • Recognition in program
  • Tax receipt within 14 days
Any amount accepted

2026 honorees

Lifetime Achievement Award

Eleanor Whittaker

Founding co-chair · 2012

For fourteen years of relentless quiet work on behalf of the American coastline.

Champion Award

Senator Marcus Reyes

Maine · senate environment committee

For championing the 2024 Coastal Wetlands Restoration Act through 18 months of committee hearings.

Community Leader Award

Margarita Boucher

Founder · Bayou Youth Coalition

For building the youth-leadership pipeline that will define the next decade of coastal Louisiana.

The evening.

An outline. The full program goes to seated guests at 7:30pm.

6:00 — 7:15pm

Cocktail reception

Hors d'oeuvres + open bar in the Edwardian Room. Music by the Marcus Roberts Trio.

7:30pm

Three-course dinner · Grand Ballroom

Menu by chef Anna Russo. Vegetarian + gluten-free + kosher options. Coordinate with your seating request.

9:00pm

Honoree recognition + live auction

Hosted by Anderson Cooper, returning for his fifth year. 14 items including a private weekend in Big Sur.

10:30pm — 1:00am

After-party + dancing

DJ set by Honey Dijon. Champagne until close. Cab vouchers at the door.

An evening for the coast.

For everyone who has ever loved a coastline, and wants to make sure there is still one to love in 2046.

Reserve your seat →