Funds raised benefit ocean education and conservation
Eric Eikenberg (left), CEO of The Everglades Foundation, receives this year’s Conservation Icon Award from Dr. Guy Harvey
The Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF), formerly the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, celebrated a new name, a year of incredible accomplishments, advancements in education and ongoing research during the 14th Annual Ocean Inspiration Gala which benefited ocean conservation, critical research initiatives and marine science educational programs.
Two awards were also presented. World-renowned artist, conservationist, scientist and Foundation chairman emeritus Dr. Guy Harvey and Foundation Co-Chair and Chief Brand Officer Jessica Harvey recognized Eric Eikenberg, CEO of the Everglades Foundation, with the Guy Harvey Conservation Icon Award, presented to an individual researcher, angler, diver, conservationist or non-profit leader who has demonstrated a lifetime of appreciation for the world’s natural resources and worked to instill that appreciation in the next generation, and also recognized Force Blue, a nonprofit uniting special operations veterans with the world of coral reef conservation, with the first ever Guy Harvey Conservation Organization Award. Force Blue COO and co-founder Keith Sahm accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Keith Sahm (left), COO and co-founder of Force Blue, accepts this year’s Conservation Organization Award from the Guy Harvey Foundation
“We are so excited for the future as we continue to focus on our mission to better understand and conserve the ocean environment,” said Dr. Harvey. “We were thrilled to share the highlights of this past year. We continue to collaborate with local, national, and international organizations to bring our mission to life.”
Among the highlights of the year include the expansion of the Foundation’s K-12 marine science curriculum throughout Florida. The Foundation is partnering with industry-leading organizations on initiatives that teachers and students love. The Guy Harvey Research Institute also continued its long history of powerful scientific research and published a groundbreaking paper on billfish behavior. Meanwhile, the ongoing Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape Research Program also published a peer-reviewed article highlighting the sustainability of catch-and-release fishing, expanded to include additional studies and continues to produce amazing results.
Foundation board member and popular radio host Paul Castronovo served as emcee for the evening. Guests then enjoyed a video presentation highlighting the Foundation’s year out on the water, in the classroom and in policy hearings, conducting cutting-edge fisheries research, speaking to student and civic organizations, and bringing the undersea world into people’s lives. Once again, a sell-out, guests also were treated to a cocktail reception, dinner, a silent auction, inspirational stories, live music and a spirited live auction with Guy Harvey’s original and reproduced artwork, trips to exotic locations, luxurious vacation packages and unique gift items.
(L to R) Joel Blumenthal, Steve Groth, Paul Castronovo, Eric Lear
“I thank all of our sponsors and donors for their incredible support,” said Jessica Harvey. “I am so pleased with our education program that has grown exponentially in the last year. We have 14 school districts throughout Florida that currently implement our marine science curriculum, and we’ve been able to train more than 1,000 teachers. We certainly look forward to continuing the expansion of our educational programming to ensure that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a properly balanced ocean ecosystem.”
The 14th Annual GHF Ocean Inspiration Gala was sponsored by Norwegian Cruise Line, with additional support from Florida Crystals, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Guy Harvey Enterprises, Florida Power & Light Company, Bergeron Everglades Foundation, Venice Magazine, Resolve Marine, Lauderdale Yacht Club, MarineMax, Boston Whaler, Force Blue, Papa’s Pilar Rum, The Everglades Foundation, Intradeco, Mission Resolve Foundation, King Sailfish Mounts, Tropic Star Lodge, The Sport Fishing Championship, Pacific Fins Guatemala Resort & Marina, FishAngler, Wye Foundation, Fishial.ai, RAM, Keen M. International, Guy Harvey Jewelry and BBX Capital.
For more information on the Guy Harvey Foundation’s educational, research and conservation initiatives, or to get involved, visit www.GuyHarveyFoundation.org. Follow the Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @GuyHarveyOcean.
About Guy Harvey: Guy Harvey is a unique blend of artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist, explorer, and entrepreneur, 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. Having graduated with honors in Marine Biology from Aberdeen University in Scotland in 1977, Guy returned home to Jamaica to resume his education, earning his Ph.D. from the University of the West Indies in 1984. Though he gave up a budding career as a marine biologist for that of a highly acclaimed artist, Guy 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. For more information, 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
