Photos From The Jersey Shore Partnership's 2025 Summer Celebration

HIGHLANDS, NJ — On May 19, the Jersey Shore Partnership Foundation celebrated its most successful Summer Celebration to date on the Sandy Hook shoreline.

Dubbed the “networking event of the year,” the celebration brought together hundreds of friends, colleagues and community leaders for an evening to support preserving New Jersey’s coastlines.

Now in its 20+ year tradition, this year’s Summer Celebration marked a record turnout, with more restaurants, beverage vendors, fisheries and florists participating than ever before. Guests were treated to live music from local favorite Brian Kirk & The Jirks, as they mingled with corporate leaders, elected officials, environmental advocates, nonprofit professionals and Jersey Shore residents.

“This year’s celebration was nothing short of magical,” said Grace Hanlon, executive director of the Jersey Shore Partnership. “The energy, the turnout, and the overwhelming support remind us all how deeply people care about preserving the Jersey Shore’s natural beauty and economic vitality.”

Highlights included vintage cars like 1948 Woodies, surfboards on display, a raw bar sponsored by The Lusty Lobster, and a special appearance by Jersey-born celebrity Chef David Burke.

Proceeds from the Summer Celebration benefit the Jersey Shore Partnership Foundation’s advocacy efforts to secure local, state, and federal funding for coastal protection and beach replenishment projects throughout New Jersey.

2025 Honorees

The evening honored individuals and organizations whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the Jersey Shore:

• Spirit of the Shore Award: Jack Morey (Posthumous), Co-owner of Morey’s Piers
• Business & Industry Award: Comcast
• Community Impact Award: The Two River Times
• The Hon. S. Thomas Gagliano Founder Award: The Douty Family of The Lusty Lobster Fresh Seafood Market

Distinguished chairs:

• Honorary Dinner Chairs: The Honorable Joe & Susan Kyrillos
• Dinner Chairs: Frank & Valerie Montecalvo, Bayshore/Montecalvo Family of Companies
• Event Chair: Jeanette Hoffman, President, Marathon Public Affairs
• Vice Chair: Sandra Lazzaro-Cifelli, Director, Ocean County Business Development & Tourism

“We are so grateful to all our sponsors, volunteers, and supporters,” said Hoffman, 2025 Event Chair. “This event continues to grow and thrive because of the passion and commitment of everyone involved.”