CCMI Festival of Trees

(CNS): A fundraising event to benefit efforts to sustain the biodiversity of Cayman’s coral reefs, has become a premier event to kick off the festive season. The fourth annual Dinner and Live Auction for the 2008 Festival of Trees will take place on Friday, 21 November, at Ristorante Pappagallo.

As with previous years, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute 2008 Festival of Trees dinner and live auction will include a varied display of beautifully decorated Christmas Trees and Holiday Wreaths adorned with exciting gift packages. Each tree and wreath will be auctioned off and delivered to the home or business of the winning bidder, according to CCMI.

The evening begins with an elegant champagne reception, followed by dinner with wine. The highlight of the night will feature the live auction of the Christmas trees and wreaths, presenting the opportunity for everyone to bring home the season’s best gifts from Cayman’s most popular retailers and restaurants.

“Once again we are pleased to present a celebratory night in support of the ongoing work of CCMI,” said Vico Testori, owner of Ristorante Pappagallo. “The Festival of Trees is a great event to spend time with friends, have fun, and get into the holiday spirit while contributing to a very active local charity”

“We would especially like to thank Ristorante Pappagallo for their generous participation over the years with the Festival of Trees,” said CCMI CEO Jim O’Neill. “As the event has grown, Vico and the staff at Pappagallo’s have been solid supporters in ensuring the evening runs smoothly and all guests leave happy, most with a new treasure in tow”.

Annually, the Festival of Trees is a sell-out event that receives rave reviews by attendees. Individuals or companies interested in participating in CCMI’s Festival of Trees can contact reef@reefresearch.org.

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute was incorporated in 1998 as a non-profit 501c3 organization. CCMI was established as an international charitable organization after becoming incorporated in the Cayman Islands (2002) and in the UK in 2004.

Since its first years, CCMI has proven a valuable asset to the effort of understanding changing coral reef and tropical marine environments, and its research and education programs have established a solid foundation for future reef education and awareness in the Caribbean and for students and researchers from around the world.