The season for balls and banquets are on the horizon, a chance for many to kick up their heels on the dance floor and have a good time, all in the name of some very deserving organizations. Many charitable organizations in the Bahamas depend on the financial gains of these balls in order to do their good works for the community.

The Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association is no different, and the BASRA Ball is their main fundraising event.

As one walks into the office of BASRA, there are framed accolades hanging all over the walls ? Silver Jubilee Awards, Public Service Commendations, Certificates of Appreciation and Distinguished Service Awards. Each is well deserved as BASRA personnel put in a lot of time on the open seas, tracking, assisting, rescuing and saving lives - and all of it free of charge by committed volunteers.

The Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association stands by, ready and willing to lend a hand, to those in distress at sea, 24 hours a day with boats, planes and communications; donations, grants and legacies from all sectors of the community are extremely important and BASRA depends on these contributions to function and maintain its service in Bahamian waters.

The major fundraiser, the 2008 BASRA Ball will take place on Friday, November 7th, 2008 at the Sandal Royal Bahamian Resort Convention Centre as BASRA and its corporate friends and members of the public join together to ensure that the most vital service ? air, sea rescue ? is continued, to ensure that emergency assistance is provided to those persons in distress and stranded at sea.

Proceeds from the ball are earmarked for equipment to enhance patrols of Bahamian waters but additionally BASRA will provide needed assistance to the junior sailing program in the Public Schools.

?Many of our students have qualified for international sailing competitions but are unable to compete as they do not have Safe Boating Certificates. BASRA is committed to providing the materials for these students who qualify to take the exam, and we give up extra time on a Saturday to ensure that they know the material. During our patrols we see many persons who are out on unseaworthy boats, having no life jackets, and no communication tools, so this course the ABC America?s Boating Course will benefit them as well.? stated Chris Lloyd, Operations Manager, BASRA.

Doctors Hospital, a corporate partner of BASRA, recently made its annual donation in support of the tremendous work they do each year. ?Community involvement is an integral part of our culture and values. BASRA is one of the organizations in our Annual Charitable Giving Program as Doctors Hospital supports such a worthy cause that affects many people?s lives. We are always happy to lend our assistance to those persons in distress and stranded at sea through our donation to BASRA. This gift to BASRA will help the organization to continue to develop their new initiatives and provide emergency assistance? stated Michele Rassin, VP of Operations, Doctors Hospital.

You can help by volunteering your services, becoming a BASRA member, registering for a class, or by forwarding your donation to Bahamas Air-Sea Rescue Association, PO Box SS 6247, Nassau, Bahamas. For more information, call the BASRA office at 325-8864; any funds you are willing to give will be gratefully appreciated in support of the untiring work of the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association.