For the last 16 years, the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF) has hosted an annual dinner to raise awareness of and funds for ocean conservation and marine science education. This year, the “Love The Blue Gala,” presented by Norwegian Cruise Line, kicks off on Wednesday, October 30 with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by a formal dinner at the Lauderdale Yacht Club, 1725 SE 12th Street in Fort Lauderdale.
World-renowned artist, scientist, conservationist and GHF Founder, Dr. Guy Harvey, and his daughter, GHF CEO Jessica Harvey, will once again co-host the gala and share anecdotes of their exciting adventures as they recap an incredible year filled with leading-edge research and innovative education programming. The evening will feature silent and live auctions where guests will have the opportunity to bid on original Guy Harvey works-of-art, exciting trips, and unique gift items. Supporters not able to attend the gala will have the ability to bid on silent auction items online.
During the “Love The Blue Gala”, the GHF will also recognize two individuals and two organizations that have had a substantial positive impact on marine science education and ocean conservation. Jennifer Bakakos, a teacher at Frontier Elementary School in Palm Beach County will receive the Education Award for Outstanding Individual and the School District of Manatee County will receive the Education Award for Outstanding Organization. Paolo Coen of Grupo Coen will receive the Conservation Award for Outstanding Individual and Beyond Our Shores will receive the Conservation Award for Outstanding Organization.
“We are extremely proud to once again honor the exceptional individuals and organizations that share our passion and dedication to advancing marine science education and ocean conservation initiatives,” said GHF CEO Jessica Harvey. “As we celebrate everything they do for our oceans and future generations, I’d like to also thank our wonderful partners, supporters and friends for their continued support to our Foundation. They are the reason we can have such a positive impact on the ocean and its inhabitants.”
Proceeds from the evening benefit the GHF’s ocean research and education efforts. Each year, the GHF expands its marine science curriculum for elementary, middle and high school students based on Dr. Harvey’s decades of scientific research. The GHF is making marine and environmental science more engaging with virtual field trips that include hands-on enrichment activities, which allow students to interact with the environment, immersing them in case studies of environmental problems and success stories around the world. This year, the GHF also launched the Guy Harvey Conservation Education Program, which allows educators and schools to participate in regional professional development opportunities dedicated to environmental Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education.
“The incredible support from all the people who believe in our mission is crucial in stewarding the health of our oceans,” said Dr. Harvey. “Thanks to the generosity of our new and longtime partners over the years, we can continue to expand our programs and reach.”
Love The Blue Gala table sponsorships start at $3,500 and individual tickets are $350. To purchase tickets and sponsorships, please visit https://tinyurl.com/yc7h5njb
To learn more about the GHF’s educational, research and conservation initiatives, or to get involved, visit www.GuyHarveyFoundation.org. Follow the Foundation on Facebook, Instagram and X.com at @GuyHarveyOcean.
About Guy Harvey: Guy Harvey is a world-renowned marine wildlife artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist and explorer, fiercely devoted to his family and his love of the sea. His childhood passion for the ocean and its living creatures not only inspired him to draw, but fueled a burning interest that prompted a formal education in marine science and later, earned his Ph.D. from the University of the West Indies. Though he gave up a budding career as a marine biologist for that of a highly acclaimed artist, Dr. Harvey has continued his relentless pursuit to unravel the mysteries of the sea, traveling the world to better understand the habits and habitats of the marine wildlife he paints. The Guy Harvey brand brings the undersea world into everyday life through various licensed products including apparel, artwork, home goods and gift items that can be found in various retailers within the US, Caribbean and Central America. With more than one million followers on social media, the Guy Harvey brand has a wide demographic base of outdoor and water enthusiasts and helps benefit marine conservation through the research and education work of the Guy Harvey Foundation, which receives a portion of all proceeds from officially licensed Guy Harvey apparel and merchandise. To learn more about Guy Harvey apparel and merchandise, please visit www.guyharvey.com.
About the Guy Harvey Foundation: With a focused mission to better understand and conserve the ocean environment, the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF) collaborates with local, national and international organizations to conduct scientific research and provides funding to affiliated researchers who share this objective The GHF also develops and hosts cutting-edge educational programs that help educators to foster the next era of marine conservationists, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a properly balanced ocean ecosystem. www.GuyHarveyFoundation.org