The National Trust for the Cayman
Islands held its gala dinner and auction on Saturday 30 October. The event,
which took place in the Orchid Ballroom at the Marriott Beach Resort, was
attended by a very large group of loyal supporters of the National Trust,
including Governor Duncan Taylor and his wife.
The chairman of the National Trust,
Carla Reid, opened proceedings, highlighting the importance of the work the
Trust does in the Cayman Islands and thanking the guests for their support.
Guest speaker was Fred Burton, the
director of the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme, who related his memories of the
early days of the Trust and how it grew to become the organisation it is today.
The live auction saw some fierce
bidding for items ranging from jewellery and watches to staycations and copies
of historical documents, including the bill for the first constitution of the
Cayman Islands dated May 19, 1863, and a turtle treaty between Nicaragua and
the Cayman Islands dated May 6, 1916.
Auctioneer Ian Boxall worked the
crowd, playing off bidders against one another in an attempt to bring in even
more money for the Trust’s projects.
There was also a silent auction,
which raised additional funds.
“There was a tie for the highlight
of the evening: firstly Fred Burton’s presentation was able to convey both the
personal stake we all have in protecting Cayman’s environment and heritage, as
well as the larger picture of what it takes to be successful with conservation
work. The other highlight was Ian Boxall’s skillful auctioneering. He was able
to squeeze extra pennies out of the bidders, while keeping it all lighthearted
and entertaining,” said Frank Balderamos, general manager of the Trust.
The event raised in excess of
$23,500, which will go a long way to assist the Trust in furthering its projects.
The money will go toward a number of projects currently under way, including
the restoration of the Eldermire House in Cayman Brac, purchasing more Blue
Iguana habitat and creating teaching manuals.
“The money raised means a great
deal to the Trust, considering the economic environment. Renovations at Nurse
Leila’s and at Guardhouse Hill have received a great boost from this event, and
we’ll able to enhance our educational programmes as well,” said Mr. Balderamos.
The event was also characterised by
strong support from within the Cayman business community, as both sponsors and
attendees.
“I’d like to especially thank
Island Companies, who were our main sponsors for the evening,” said Mr.
Balderamos. Other corporate sponsors were: Admiral, Maples, CNB, Dart, and
PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
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