The Tribune

THE Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) will hold a fundraising party on Saturday at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas with a theme suitably reflective of their endeavours: “Under the Sea”.

Hosted by BREEF Co-chairs Lady Eugenie Nuttall and Craig Symonette and Executive Director Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, guests will wine, dine and dance, likely dressed in suggested colours of the ocean.

As in previous years, the dress code is casually-elegant island-chic to enable guests to dance to top entertainment band “Visage” without the restrictions of more formal attire.

Ms McKinney-Lambert said the fun and success of past events has boosted ticket sales this year.

“We are fortunate that our past events have proved such fun,” she said. “Most of the tickets and tables have gone to people who came to our last party in 2013, so we’ve got a lot to live up to. So far, preparations are going really well and we’re excited and looking forward to delivering another great, fun celebration for a really good cause.”

Guests should not be surprised to find Lionfish as a choice on the dinner menu, further supporting BREEF’s conservation efforts. Chef Horatio will serve the delicious invasive fish species to suit all tastes and providing guests with an inspiring alternative to Nassau grouper during the closed season.

The party will take place on the grounds of the National Art Gallery with rum, beer, vodka, wine bars and food stations, with dining, dancing and leisure areas strategically placed to maximise socializing. Security measures have been taken to include patrolled public parking areas and a valet-parking service.

The evening’s entertainment includes a very generous silent auction, a live auction with the notable auctioneer CK Swett, a steel band and a DJ.

Lady Nuttall, wife of BREEF’s deceased founder Sir Nicholas Nuttall, said that the non-profit organisation is vital to marine conservation in The Bahamas.

“As a non-profit marine conservation group we largely rely on donations from people who understand the threats facing our marine environments, and by default, our own health and well-being,” said the committed conservationist. “So support in all its many welcome forms, including our fun events, is vital to our work.”

Ms McKinney-Lambert said: “The financial support will help fund many of our conservation and training programmes including field trips for teachers and students that provide incomparable hands-on experiences, research, outreach, advocacy and policy. All the funds raised during the evening will help support BREEF’s marine education programmes reaching thousands of children ever year, fisheries outreach, research, advocacy for reef conservation legislation, and the BREEF Coral Reef Sculpture Garden.”

Ticket details can be found at www.breef.org or by calling (242)-327-9000. The evening starts at 7.15pm.