Heal the Bay Held Bring Back the Beach Gala

The annual gala in Santa Monica honored Drew Scott for his dedication to sustainable homes.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Awards

Bold vector editorial illustration of three blank surfboards leaning against a coastal fence on a beach at sunset. — Heal the Bay held its 2026 Bring Back the Beach Gala in Santa Monica on Tuesday to support ongoing local coastal environmental protection efforts. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you trust local environmental non-profits to prioritize mission over high-cost fundraising events?

Heal the Bay hosted its 2026 Bring Back the Beach Gala at the Jonathan Club to raise funds for local environmental efforts. Drew Scott received the organization's top honor for his work promoting sustainable communities.

Why it matters

The gala aims to support Heal the Bay's ongoing mission to protect the coastline of Los Angeles County. Fundraising events like this are essential to funding the group's efforts to keep local beaches clean and healthy for the public.

The gala featured a silent auction where one surfboard commanded a starting bid of $25,000. Heal the Bay operates a report card program that currently tracks the water quality of 500 beaches.

The players

Heal the Bay

This non-profit organization is dedicated to protecting the coastal waters and watersheds of Greater Los Angeles through science, education, and advocacy.

Drew Scott

He is a well-known television personality and real estate expert who is frequently recognized for his interest in sustainable home design.

The details

Produced by NAMEVENTS, the evening included a dinner, a film screening, and both live and silent auctions. Three surfboards were prominently displayed as part of the silent auction lineup to entice donors.

Heal the Bay was originally founded in 1985.
The gala occurred on September 24, 2026.
The final fundraising total is expected in the coming days.

Culture Shift

This gala reflects a broader cultural movement toward environmental accountability in urban planning and residential development. By honoring sustainability-focused public figures, the event aligns the real estate sector with long-standing regional conservation efforts.

Residents can monitor the ongoing health of the coastline through the organization's publicly available beach report card. The funds raised directly support the maintenance and monitoring of 500 beaches across the region.

The takeaway

Events like the Bring Back the Beach Gala highlight the importance of private support in maintaining public environmental data systems. Readers can learn more about local water quality through the organization's regional reporting tools.