Marking the 20th anniversary and remembering its founder, the late Sir Nicholas Nuttall, close to 400 people partied in fitting celebratory manner at The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation’s, (BREEF) “20 Shades of Blue Full Moon Party, held recently in majestic splendor at the hill-top John Watling’s Distillery and extensive grounds.
In island-chic casual elegance, guests, many in the suggested ‘shades of blue’ mingled, danced and enjoyed the fun and excitement of an entertainment packed evening, hosted by the glamorous BREEF leadership of Lady Eugenie Nuttall and executive director Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, and a strong committee of BREEF volunteers.
Entertainment by Bahamian Reggae Band Willis & the Illest kept the dance energy alive through the early hours and the many fabulous items generously donated to the super-sized Silent Auction kept shoppers busy.
A variety of beverages - John Watling’s Rum Dums, Vodka and Gin Martinis from Liquid Courage and Bristol fine wines and beers - at strategically placed Bars - plentiful hot and cold food buffets and Roast Beef and Turkey carving stations with all the trimmings, satisfied all-comers including those needing a sugar-fix who hovered near the dessert station!
"John Watling's Distillery is pleased to support BREEF"s important marine conservation work. We are honoured to have been chosen as the venue to host BREEF's "20 Shades of Blue" full-moon anniversary party on our beautiful estate amid the many, century old Black Olive trees. We served a variety of the John Watling’s light, dark and award winning rums and specialty cocktails such as ‘Rum Dums’ and ‘Between the Sheets’. Simply put it was a fabulous party for a fabulous cause," said John Watling’s founding partner Jose Portuondo.
As emails and messages of congratulations and thanks flooded into the BREEF office the next day, executive director Casuarina McKinney-Lambert reminded that the ‘up all night/ high energy, best party this year,’ was for a good cause.
“BREEF is a non-profit marine conservation group and we do rely on donations from people who understand the threats facing our marine environments and by default our own health and well-being,” said the committed conservationist. “So support in all its many welcome forms, including our fun events are vital to our work.”
Lady Eugenie Nuttall said this 20th anniversary was the beginning of something new for BREEF. “On its 20th anniversary, BREEF is excited to announce the launch of its Coral Reef Sculpture Garden, in memory of its founder, Sir Nicholas Nuttall. We are extremely fortunate to have working on this project renowned sculptor, Jason deCaires Taylor, who will be collaborating with Bahamian artists, Andret John and Willicey Tynes, in conjunction with the Reef Ball Foundation. BREEF looks forward to the involvement of the wider community in this exciting project and in particular, with students around the islands.”
The evenings Presenting Sponsor, the philanthropic Vasyli Foundation, also a nonprofit group and affiliated with the global orthotic footwear company, VIONIC Group, said they understood the importance of BREEF’s work and training programmes.
“We are very aware of the need to show respect for the environment, both land and sea, supporting the work of BREEF is very much in keeping with our philanthropic philosophy in that regard.”
BREEF executive director Casuarina McKinney-Lambert said, “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 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. All the funds raised during the evening will help support BREEF's marine education programmes and the exciting new BREEF Coral Reef Sculpture Garden.”
Vendor sponsors who donated product, services or time include John Watling’s Distillery, Liquid Courage, Bristol Wines & Spirits, Horatio Alexander Events & Catering, Bahama Fantasies, Spectrum Light & Sound.
Dionisio D'Aguilar, Eleanor Phillips and Robert Myers
Lady Eugene Nuttall BREEF co-chair and wife of the late Sir Nicholas Nuttal, BREEF Founder
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 watchdog, advocate 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 tel: 327 9000 and on Facebook.
