Skyfall Charity Premiere Celebrates 50 Years of Bond Tradition
Held in honor of the 50th anniversary of James Bond films, the Heineken series of Bond Movie Nights came to a bittersweet ending Friday night with the Charity Premiere of Skyfall. The night was hosted in part by the Rotary Club of East Nassau. Galleria 11 on John F Kennedy Drive was completely packed with Rotarians and Bond enthusiasts, young and old, from the lobby to the theatre.
“We have a Bond tradition dating back to Casino Royale. We also had a premiere of that film,” said Lindsey Cancino, Assistant District Governor of Rotary East Nassau, “I am personally a big Bond fan.”That premiere was in November of 2007, and two Rotarians attended that made an appearance in Thunderball (1965)
Other than the film, one highlight of the evening for many of the ladies in attendance was the opportunity to ‘stand next to’ Daniel Craig—a promotional poster for Skyfall featuring the actor as James Bond.This was the final opportunity to pick up one of the keepsake, limited edition, aluminum Heineken bottles with a secret signature that could only be revealed by shining a black light on it.
Cancino went on to thank all the sponsors, saying: “They were just terrific sports about the whole thing.”Each viewer received a raffle ticket at the door for a chance at a $3800 Omega watch. When the winning ticket was called, an ecstatic lady proudly walked to the front of the cinema to collect her dazzling prize.
People were equally excited to see Skyfall as they were to partake in the complimentary refreshments provided by Galleria Cinemas, Bahamas Wholesale Foods, John Bull and, of course, Heineken.“This event was an alternative to the Heineken event. Heineken had a completely private premiere, but we asked them and they agreed to partner with us. It’s obviously a great way to help a big charity.”
With a goal of $6000, the Rotary Foundation is the primary beneficiary of Friday’s event. “The [Rotary] Foundation does fantastic work all around the world. We are most well-known for the quest to eradicate polio, but we also do incredible work like scholarships.”
One example Cancino provided was the matching grant project for a water plant done in Grand Bahama where Rotary Clubs put in a total of $25,000 and the Rotary Foundation helped them raise a total of $200,000 to complete the project.
The Rotary Foundation also gives Ambassadorial scholarships; having presented the largest privately sponsored international scholarship program in the world.
“We also have an emergency relief grant for the persons in Grand Bahama who were affected by Hurricane Sandy. So, we don’t only reach out internationally, but the Foundation affects us at home as well,” Cancino said.All in all, the Skyfall event was a success, having sold out two days ahead, and helping Rotarians prepare internationally and at home, should the sky ever fall.
By Jasper Haeward
