The 2008 Festival of Trees got off to a glimmering-good start Tuesday with a VIP PreVue party at Gardenia Court in the Camana Bay Town Centre.
The annual fundraiser for the Central Caribbean Marine Institute has grown from a one-night live auction to a five-day event, which culminates with a Grand Finale dinner and live auction at Ristorante Pappagallo on Friday night.
‘This is the CCMI’s major fundraiser of the year,’ said Director of Development Melissa Wolfe.
The CCMI conducts research and education programmes to help better understand changing coral reef and tropical marine environments.
At the VIP PreVue Tuesday, Governor Stuart Jack cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the event. As a preview to Friday night’s live auction, professional American auctioneer Don Martin showed his extraordinary vocal skills while auctioning off several items.
‘He’s a friend of CCMI,’ said Mrs. Wolfe of Mr. Martin. ‘He is doing this as a volunteer.’
The Festival of Trees features rows of Christmas trees and wreathes decorated with ornaments and gift packages from various businesses.
‘We have one tree that is decorated with fine jewellery,’ said Ms Wolfe.
All of the trees and wreathes will be sold during the live auction on Friday.
The event continues on through the end of the week and the public is invited to walk though Gardenia Court to view the trees.
Besides raising funds in the auction, members of the public can also support CCMI by getting a small stocking for a donation of $25. Inside the stocking is a ticket with a number on it which corresponds to a prize that was donated and which can be picked up at the exhibit’s ‘Dickens’s General Store’.
The Grand Finale dinner is already sold out, but Ms Wolfe said she hoped many people took advantage of the opportunity to view the beautifully decorated trees in Gardenia Court.
Principle sponsors of the event include Celebrations, Uncle Bill’s and Abacus Restaurant, which provided the food and refreshments at the PreVue party. Cayman Free Press is also a sponsor.
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