About Us
Our Mission
At Children of Montauk Foundation, our mission is to provide Montauk with year-round growth and development to better our community. Our goal is to solve for the needs of the local children and their families, especially during the ‘off-season’ when community activity is at it’s lowest. We aim to foster a community that celebrates all seasons.
Our Values
Our organization is built on a foundation of compassion, integrity, and accountability. We believe in empowering the children of Montauk all year-round. We are committed to using our resources in the most effective and efficient way possible.
Our Team
Our team is made up of dedicated annual residents who are passionate about making a difference in our community. We work tirelessly to ensure that our programs, plans and services are meeting the needs of those we serve.
Team
Ashley Cole
Catherine DiBenedetto
Catherine DiBenedetto
After moving to Montauk full-time and experiencing daily life through the quiet winter months, Ashley saw an opportunity to give back to the community she now calls home. As a mother of two active boys, she recognized how few options existed for children to play and connect once many local spaces closed for the season. Understanding how e
After moving to Montauk full-time and experiencing daily life through the quiet winter months, Ashley saw an opportunity to give back to the community she now calls home. As a mother of two active boys, she recognized how few options existed for children to play and connect once many local spaces closed for the season. Understanding how essential community and social gathering places are during the colder months, Ashley founded the Children of Montauk Foundation with a mission to create year-round opportunities for families to gather and thrive. Her vision is to build spaces that serve as the heartbeat of Montauk—ensuring it remains a place of connection and joy in every season.
Catherine DiBenedetto
Catherine DiBenedetto
Catherine DiBenedetto
Catherine always dreamed of raising her family in Montauk. That wish became a reality in 2020 when she moved here with her two boys.
From 2022-2024, Catherine worked at the Montauk School, where she had the privilege of getting to know the local community better, and what makes it so special. When a person or family is in need, the whole
Catherine always dreamed of raising her family in Montauk. That wish became a reality in 2020 when she moved here with her two boys.
From 2022-2024, Catherine worked at the Montauk School, where she had the privilege of getting to know the local community better, and what makes it so special. When a person or family is in need, the whole town rallies around them. For Catherine, joining the board of the Children of Montauk is a way to give back to this community she loves.
In her free time Catherine volunteers with the Concerned Citizens of Montauk, collecting water samples for testing. She’s also raising about 1000 oysters in Lake Montauk through a program run by the East Hampton Shellfish Hatchery.
Sarah Donna
Sarah Donna
Sarah Donna
Sarah grew up spending summers in Montauk with her family, and in 2021, she and her husband put down roots to call Montauk home year-round. As a former “summer person”, Sarah brings a unique perspective—one that blends a deep appreciation for Montauk’s tight-knit, seasonal traditions with a fresh awareness of the challenges facing local f
Sarah grew up spending summers in Montauk with her family, and in 2021, she and her husband put down roots to call Montauk home year-round. As a former “summer person”, Sarah brings a unique perspective—one that blends a deep appreciation for Montauk’s tight-knit, seasonal traditions with a fresh awareness of the challenges facing local families year-round.
Her passion for community building led her to join the board of Children of Montauk, where she is committed to helping bridge the gap between families, schools, and local organizations. She’s passionate about ensuring Montauk’s youngest residents grow up supported by a strong, connected, and caring community.
Bear Cole
Sarah Donna
Sarah Donna
Bear is our 16 year old intern. Currently a junior at Trevor High School, Bear has been spending his summers in Montauk since he was 4 years old and a consecutive 2 years during the pandemic. Bear enjoys the peace he finds in Montauk when surrounded by the bluffs and sand dunes. Bear has a passion for ocean preservation and photography. H
Bear is our 16 year old intern. Currently a junior at Trevor High School, Bear has been spending his summers in Montauk since he was 4 years old and a consecutive 2 years during the pandemic. Bear enjoys the peace he finds in Montauk when surrounded by the bluffs and sand dunes. Bear has a passion for ocean preservation and photography. He has been a tremendous help with research and cost evaluations.