Sir Richard Branson and America’s favorite zookeeper Jack Hanna were among the special guests that joined world-renowned artist, conservationist and scientist Dr. Guy Harvey for the 12th Annual Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) Banquet and Auction.
Dr. Guy Harvey and his daughter Jessica, project manager for GHOF, hosted this year’s fundraiser which, like most events in the past 10 months, was held virtually. Through donations and proceeds from the online auction, the GHOF far exceeded their fundraising goal to help support their research, education and ocean conservation programs for the coming year. The GHOF is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the seas, supporting groundbreaking research and helping foster the next generation of ocean conservationists.
“COVID may have prevented us from gathering in person, but we were thrilled to share virtually what we have accomplished in 2020 with our research and educational initiatives,” said Dr. Guy Harvey. “The support from our donors, sponsors and guests makes all of the work we do possible. We were excited to share several exciting projects we have underway and what we are planning for 2021.”
During the event, which was streamed on the GHOF website and the Guy Harvey YouTube channel, guests were up close and personal with sharks and other marine life in their natural habitat as Dr. Harvey and Jessica navigated viewers through international waters. The video was highlighted by spectacular footage of ocean expeditions, close encounters with marine wildlife, the tagging and tracking of sharks and information on various research studies that are underway. The evening ended with a special musical performance by one of Dr. Harvey’s all-time favorite bands, The Wailers.
“Research is the basis for conservation,” added Dr. Harvey. “But it’s also critical to educate and engage the public. Our focus in 2021 will be on education, particularly with students from elementary through high school. They are the future conservationists, scientists and marine biologists.”
A selection of Dr. Harvey’s original and printed artwork, trips to exotic locations, ocean excursions with Dr. Harvey and other unique items were up for bid during the auction where 100% of the proceeds benefited the GHOF.
Sponsors were Advanced Roofing, Cedarstream Company, Divvy Up Socks, The Hudson Family Fund, Intradeco Apparel, Jack Schwartz Shoes, Keen M Sportfishing, King Sailfish Mounts, Las Ventanas del Mar, Los Suenos Resort and Marina, Mission Resolve, Kevin Kopp, Bob Osborn, Nova Southeastern University (NSU), NSU Athletics, Papa’s Pilar Rum, Park West Galleries, The Parts House, Quantum Multimedia, Realtree, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Spoke Custom Products, Starfish, Starcraft, TAG Heuer, Tervis, Tropic Star Lodge, the Wye Foundation, Yeti, Casa Vieja Lodge, and Guy Harvey Outpost.
For more information and to make a donation visit www.GuyHarvey.com or e-mail GHOF@GuyHarvey.com.
Dr. Harvey has built a global lifestyle brand featuring apparel, footwear, accessories, home, pet products and merchandise designed with marine wildlife art that is unmatched in authenticity and visual appeal. A portion of the proceeds from all Guy Harvey sales benefit the GHOF.