Leprechaun's Enchantment by the Sea
The National Trust Gala, which was held on 16 March, at the home of Chris and Merja Johnson, proved to be a delightful evening that can only be described as a rewarding success, raising over $20,000.
The evening commenced with an Irish band called 'Paradise' crooning traditional Irish songs whilst the guests mingled and admired the beautiful marine inspired decorations.
As day turned to dusk, the guests weaved their way through an impressive array of food from around the island. Lively servers doled out sumptuous food onto the waiting plates of the hungry guests. A rather lively server, Stan from La Bodega, bubbled with enthusiasm as he served up yummy crab cakes and mango sauce to the passersby.
Then at 8:00 p.m. Martyn Bould, Chairman of the National Trust, stood up and thanked all the guests for their support. He then introduced the Trust Staff to the audience. Staff members Jacqueline Ebanks and Satina DaCosta shared their goals that they wish to achieve while at the Trust. Barrie Quappe, Executive Director of the National Trust, commenced with her power point presentation designed to illustrate the beauty of the island and how the Trust is trying to preserve it.
After the presentation finished, Susan Kerford-Fleming's three young dancers poised themselves for a 3-minute 'Little Mermaid's Dance' to the song 'Under the Sea'. The dance was very colourful and lively displaying some of the talent that youth of Cayman have to offer. It also stayed with the theme of the evening, which was to celebrate the marine environment.
Vicky Wheaton, lead singer of the band Exit, and her band members got the crowd going with songs from Led Zeppelin and the Cranberries. They graciously donated their services to a worthy cause.
"All in all the evening was very beautiful," stated a hard working volunteer, Gaye Randolph. "This event could not have been what it was were it not for the great support of the restaurants, the bands, the attendees and especially the volunteers. We hope that next year's event will be even better," reported Robin Johnson-Malone, Development Manager for the National Trust.
The Trust extends a special thanks to all the restaurants that donated their food and time: Café Med, Ragazzi, Neptune, Blue Iguana, La Bodega, Outback Steakhouse, Chicken! Chicken!, The Wharf, Hurleys and Cayman Imports, Grand Old House and Edoardo's Restaurants. We would also like to thank Stingers for providing the bar service and the excellent serving staff. Plus Celebrations and the Marriott for helping out with much needed items.
Thanks also goes out to SEA (St. Croix Environmental Association) for the donated trip, Patrick Harrigan and Sharon Gray of Travel Pros who donated the trip to Alaska and the Wright Family for their donation of the Hawaii timeshare.
All the entertainment was graciously donated by the bands and Susan Kerford-Fleming.