FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA, APRIL 5, 2009 ? The focus was on fashion Friday night as BASRA (Bahamas Air-Sea Rescue Association) Grand Bahama held a fundraising event for its work in the northern Bahamas. Nearly 150 local residents came out in support of the not-for-profit organisation which provides search, rescue and recovery for those at sea.

The event was held at the exclusive Tides Mansion, an expansive estate situated on Grand Lucaya Waterway. The immense property served as a elegant backdrop to the evening?s theme, ?A Wave of Fashion?.

Three fashion shows featured shoes and handbags from Saassy Divas, swimsuits and clothing from The New Seventeen Resort Shop at Port Lucaya, and the work of local fashion designer Charlene Bullard of Carlaynae Designs.

The night was filled with music, style, elegance and more than a little fun, with MC David Wallace who kept the guests entertained and involved throughout the night?s festivities.

Mrs Brenda Major-Barry, who was crowned the first Miss Bahamas in 1961, was a featured guest at the mansion. Also present was the new Miss Grand Bahama Garelle Hudson, who made one of her first public appearances since being crowned on March 29th, 2009.

The crowd was ?wowed? by an energetic and passionate performance from Alvin ?Papa Smurf? Simms, who delivered his new national hit single ?Stop, Look, Listen? to the delight of all those in attendance. The audience also clapped and cheered along as Papa Smurf sang and rapped ?Bahamian Pride?, a song that encourages all to be proud of the Bahamas.

BASRA Grand Bahama out-going Chairman Justin Snisky said he was pleased with the support of the Grand Bahama community at this event. ?It was great to see so many people come out to help BASRA Grand Bahama continue to do our important work,? Snisky said. ?We are an entirely volunteer-driven organisation but we have many operating costs and expenses that are a part of carrying out our rescue work. Without the generous and ongoing participation of the local community we could not exist.?

The chairman said that the association hopes to make the fashion-focused affair an annual event.

About BASRA Grand Bahama: Since 1960 the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association of Grand Bahama made its mandate to save persons in distress on the sea. Solely manned and operated by volunteers, BASRA has saved many lives and been involved in thousands of rescues. With the assistance of both the Bahamas Defense Force and the U.S. Coast Guard, BASRA Grand Bahama maintains a watchful eye on the Northern Bahamas seas. Read more at www.basragrandbahama.com.