Heal the Bay will bring together more than 500 civic leaders, scientists, philanthropists, advocates and cultural changemakers on Thursday, Sept. 24, for the 2026 Bring Back the Beach Gala, an evening built around the conviction that no one should become sick from a day at the beach and no community should have to surrender its coastline to pollution.
Held at the Jonathan Club in Santa Monica, the organization's largest fundraising event of the year will honor "Property Brothers" star, entrepreneur and environmental advocate Drew Scott, as well as the California Coastal Commission, for leadership on sustainability, public access and coastal protection. Young social entrepreneur and clean-water advocate Lila Mokhtari will receive Heal the Bay's Next Wave Award.
The evening comes at a consequential moment. The beach surrounding the Santa Monica Pier welcomes millions of visitors, yet it remains one of California's most bacteria-impacted beaches. At the same time, coastal protections, public access and environmental safeguards face increasing pressure. That tension gives this year's theme, "Every Beach Deserves to Come Back," an urgency that extends beyond Santa Monica.
"The coast belongs to everyone, and protecting it requires people willing to invest in the science, advocacy, education, and sustained community action that keeps our waters safe and clean for beachgoers and wildlife," said Tracy Quinn, president and CEO of Heal the Bay. "Every guest who joins us becomes part of that work and part of the comeback."
For more than four decades, Heal the Bay has transformed concern for the coast into action. Its scientists test water and investigate sources of pollution, including underneath the Santa Monica Pier, and its Beach Report Card gives millions of people information to make safer choices.
Scott will be recognized for using his platform at the intersection of entertainment, real estate and entrepreneurship to encourage more sustainable homes and communities. The California Coastal Commission will be honored for its 50 years of work protecting California's coastline, preserving public access and safeguarding sensitive habitats.
"The California coast is not simply a view or a destination. It is a public trust, an ecosystem, an economic engine, and part of who we are," Quinn said. "Drew Scott and the California Coastal Commission have each helped move environmental responsibility into the public conversation, and we are proud to recognize that leadership."
Guests will experience an oceanfront evening featuring a curated dinner, creative cocktails, live and silent auctions, and immersive storytelling. Each $750 ticket helps support water-quality science, public-health information, environmental education, policy advocacy, habitat protection and community action. Heal the Bay aims to raise more than $1 million through the gala.
The sponsor reception begins at 5 p.m., followed by general admission at 6 p.m., at the Jonathan Club, 850 Palisades Beach Road. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at healthebay.org/event/bring-back-the-beach-gala-2026
Edited by SMDP Staff