Marine institute introduces budget fundraiser

(CNS): This year’s Festival of Trees, organised by the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), has the recent economic slow-down in mid by providing opportunities for people of all income levels to be involved in supporting the charity.  The Charles Dickens Store, set up in Camana Bay’s Gardenia Court between 18 and 20 December, will offer guests a chance to purchase raffle prizes for as low as $25.00 which organisers said the prizes make excellent Christmas stocking stuffers. Along with the auctioning of the decorated and gifted Christmas trees, there will be a larger number of holiday wreaths auctioned off this year, to cater to those who wish to support the charity butcannot afford to buy the trees.

Brenda Gadd, Managing Director of CCMI said the fundraiser is designed to appeal to all people. “There will be wonderful gift ideas for people of all income levels; we hope everyone will open their hearts and their purses to support this worthy cause during the Holiday season,” she said.

The grand finale, which takes place on Saturday 21 November at Ristorante Papagallo, will consist of a champagne reception, a sumptuous Italian dinner served with red and white wine, followed by live and silent auctions.  The fundraisers said ticket prices by comparison to other fundraisers, are a very reasonable CI$125 per person and can be obtained by emailing rsvp@reefresearch.org or calling 948-1094. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted.