Photos From Jersey Shore Partnership's Balmy June Soiree At Sandy Hook

SANDY HOOK, NJ — The Jersey Shore Partnership's Summer Celebration 2024, held last Monday, June 10, at Sandy Hook was a tremendous success, raising vital funds for beach protection projects up and down the Jersey Shore.

The event brought together more than 600 corporate leaders, nonprofits, environmentalists, academics and elected officials in a celebration of the shore's beauty and importance to New Jersey's economy and culture.

The evening began with a VIP reception at 4:30 p.m., followed by the main event from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Attendees enjoyed a stunning backdrop of Sandy Hook's beaches, which provided an expanded beachfront view and a larger location for this year's event. The highlight of the evening was a live performance by Brian Kirk & The Jirks, which kept the audience entertained throughout the night.

Culinary delights from over 40 Jersey Shore restaurants showcased the best of Jersey Shore cuisine.

The Jersey Shore Partnership is committed to fostering bipartisanship support and uniting diverse communities to protect and enhance the Jersey Shore, and believes in collaboration across political, social, and economic spectrums to achieve its mission of preserving the natural beauty and economic vitality of our coastal areas.

The event also honored the following individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to the Jersey Shore:

• Jeff Vasser, Executive Director of the NJ Division of Travel & Tourism, received the "Spirit of the Shore Award"
• The Scaduto & Azzolina families, owners of Circus Foodtowns, were honored with the "Business & Industry Award"
• Sharon Franz, Sales & Marketing Director of Steel Pier, Atlantic City, received "The Hon. S. Thomas Gagliano Founders Award."
• Distinguished Event Chairs: The Honorable Joe & Susan Kyrillos, Honorary Dinner Chairs Frank & Valerie Montecalvo, Bayshore/Montecalvo Family of Companies, Dinner Chairs

“We are grateful and proud to announce that our long-time friends and supporters, Circus Foodtown’s Scaduto & Azzolina families, raised over $100,000 for the summer celebration," said John Gagliano, Jersey Shore Partnership Chairman and son of Jersey Shore Partnership founder, the late Senator Thomas Gagliano.

Proceeds from the Summer Celebration will support the Jersey Shore Partnership's efforts to secure funding for beach protection projects. In addition, a percentage of the proceeds will fund 2024-2025 academic scholarships to local college students in the fields of marine science and coastal resiliency.

"Summer Celebration continues to grow every year, a true reflection of our unwavering commitment of our supporters to safeguard the beaches along the Jersey Shore," said Grace Hanlon, Jersey Shore Partnership Executive Director.

The event was made possible by the dedication of Hanlon, and Committee Co-Chairs, Lauren Goldfarb, Senior VP of Newport Capital Group, and Dana Lancellotti, formerly with the NJ Restaurant & Hospitality Association. Honorary Dinner Chairs, The Honorable Joe & Susan Kyrillos, and Dinner Chairs, Frank & Valerie Montecalvo of the Bayshore/Montecalvo Family of Companies, helped ensure the evening's success.