The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation, (BREEF) the non-profit marine conservation group is holding an aptly named and themed, ‘Twenty Shades of Blue’ fund raising party to mark their 20th anniversary and to remember BREEF founder, the late Sir Nicolas Nuttall.
Set for the full moon on Saturday November 16th at John Watlings, the celebratory ‘Twenty Shades of Blue’ was so named to draw attention to the need for ongoing conservation programmes for all that we admire and rely upon in our many shades-of-blue Bahamian waters.
Presenting Sponsor is the philanthropic Vasyli Foundation, a nonprofit group affiliated with the global orthotic footwear company, VIONIC Group. Their financial support will help fund many of the BREEF conservation and training programmes including the field trips for teachers and students for a hands-on, in-situ marine environment experience to help them toward a more knowledgeable sense of marine stewardship to share with their schools and communities. Associate sponsors include the Sarofim family and AJ Telecom. Vendor sponsors who have kindly donated product, services or time include John Watling, Liquid Courage, Bristol Wines & Spirits, Premier Cru, and Horatio Alexander Catering & Events.
“An important component of BREEF’s work is enabling teachers and students to experience the marine environment and develop a sense of marine stewardship in their communities. This helps everyone appreciate the value of our seas for our cultural and economic well-being, and to learn how to take action to ensure a healthy marine environment.
The financial support of our Presenting Sponsor, Vasyli Foundation, and of our Associate Sponsors, Sarofim Family and AJ Telecom will allow us to bring BREEF training programmes into the lives of each generation,” said the BREEF executive director Casuarina McKinney-Lambert. “I encourage all teachers to contact BREEF to schedule marine and coastal field trips for this semester.”
Beginning at 7 p.m. ‘Twenty Shades of Blue’ on the November full moon at the ‘all dressed-up’ stately John Watling’s Distillery, will present an evening of mixed entertainment including music and dancing, a Silent Auction, prize winning games, delicious, Chef’s choice, heavy Hors d’oeuvres and Roast Beef and Turkey carving stations with all the trimmings, and plenty of mingling among the Martini and John Watlings award winning Rum Bars. Dress ‘up’ or smart casual in shades of blue. Tickets $200 each from the BREEF office in Caves Village 327 9000. Information on Facebook and online at www.breef.com
About BREEF
BREEF was founded in 1993 by the late Sir Nicholas Nuttall to address growing concerns on the state of The Bahamas’ marine environment. Almost single handedly, Sir Nicholas turned the organization into a leader in educating Bahamians about their marine resources. As the organization began to take a more active role as watchdogs, advocates for political change, and public educators, it transitioned from being a voluntary entity to a more formalized non-government organization. In 2002, BREEF hired its first Executive Director, and established its first Board of Directors. Twenty years on, BREEF continues its active role in encouraging marine environmental stewardship throughout The Bahamas. www.breef.org casuarina@breef.org 327 9000
About Vasyli
The foundation supports a number of charities internationally which strive to support local talents and improve health outcomes in under privileged communities. The Vasyli Foundation’s objective comes from the strong conviction of the VIONIC Group Founder and Chairman, Phillip Vasyli, along with his family members, who are firm believers in giving back to the community. Together the Vasyli family formed their own charity, the Vasyli Foundation to help those in need across the world. For more information check out www.vasylifoundation.org
Photo Caption: Lauren Vasyli of the Vasyli Foundation, the presenting sponsor for the Bahamas Reef Educational Environment Foundation’s (BREEF) 20th Anniversary fund raising party On November 16th at John Watling’s Distillery with BREEF executive director Casuarina McKinney-Lambert. The sponsorship monies will go toward supporting the many and ongoing marine conservation initiatives including field trips for teachers and students for a hands-on, in-situ marine environment experience to help them toward a more knowledgeable sense of marine stewardship to share with their schools and communities.
