The Bahamas Air-Sea Rescue Association recently held its Annual Evening of Elegance at Old Fort Bay Clubhouse, to raise funds for the volunteer organisation that Saves Lives at Sea.
The evening, billed as “Fun For A Life-Saving Cause”, attracted over 200 guests and VIPs. Primary sponsors for the event were Breitling which showcased the BASRA annual raffle prize, a Breitling Chronomat 44, and American Airlines which donated the door prize of two roundtrip tickets to London.
VIPs included United States Coast Guard Commander Louie Parks, US Navy Lt. Commander Samuel Wartell, and U.S Coast Guard Liaison Officer Lt. Commander Doug Jannusch.
Local businesses came together to donate over 30 prizes worth more than $8,500 for the evening’s raffle. Guests enjoyed hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, salads, a potato/seafood/sushi bar, a carvery, a grill and desserts. Dinner guests listened and danced to island music from The Long Island Connection and rocked to 25 North until the evening’s close.
Breitling’s Annual Grand Raffle Prize, worth over $9,000, was a Chronomat 44, the undisputed star of the Breitling collection and water-resistant to a depth of 1,650 ft. The chronograph was won by BASRA supporter “Barley” at the drawing in late December, held at the Breitling Store on Bay Street, downtown, Nassau.
Every year, BASRA records 150 to 200+ emergency ‘A sheet cases’ and responds with 200 to 400+ ‘actions’ to aid vessels and aircraft in distress. Responses include aiding vessels that are lost, sinking, burning or disabled, that need tows, have run aground, or required medivacs. In some years BASRA can aid in 20 or more aircraft searches. Except for Operations Manager Chris Lloyd, BASRA is completely volunteer-based and relies almost entirely on donations of time and funds from local businesses, generous patrons and volunteers.
Commodore Keith Kelty and other BASRA directors thank primary sponsors Breitling and American Airlines for their generous support and the scores of local businesses, volunteers and supporters who made the evening and annual raffle an outstanding success.
Submitted By Bobby Bower
Top Photo Caption: BASRA’s Annual Evening of Elegance attracted VIPs (L-R): US Navy Lt. Commander Samuel Wartell; BASRA Operations Manager Chris Lloyd; United States Coast Guard Commander Louie Parks; Breitling Store Manager Nick Simmons; BASRA Commodore Keith Kelty; and U.S Coast Guard Liaison Officer Lt. Commander Doug Jannusch.
