The Guy Harvey Foundation celebrated 16 years of transformational initiatives in marine science research, education and ocean conservation during the annual, Love the Blue Gala, at the Lauderdale Yacht Club.
Supporters, donors and partners enjoyed a cocktail reception, dinner, award ceremony, live auction and live musical entertainment, all to raise awareness and funds for the GHF’s ocean research and education efforts.
Throughout the night, guests enjoyed a curated selection of videos showcasing the GHF’s groundbreaking initiatives in research, education, innovation and conservation. During the Gala, world-renowned artist, conservationist, scientist and GHF Chairman Emeritus Dr. Guy Harvey and GHF CEO Jessica Harvey presented the Guy Harvey Foundation Conservation Awards to outstanding organizations and individuals who exceled in research, education and conservation this year.
The 2024 Guy Harvey Foundation Awards recipients were:
School District of Manatee County was presented with the Education Award for an Outstanding Organization for its commitment to marine science education and ocean conservation. The school district prioritizes innovative educational opportunities to expand student career and life possibilities, including the establishing the first Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Sciences at Anna Maria Elementary, focused on marine sciences, conservation and the arts.
Jennifer Bakakos received the Education Award for Outstanding Individual for her dedication to teaching STEAM education. Bakakos is the environmental animal and science academy teacher at Frontier Elementary in Loxahatchee, Florida, where last year she implemented the Guy Harvey teacher resources for ‘Plastic Pollution, Plastic Solution,’ which allows students to learn about ocean conservation while creating an unforgettable school-wide art masterpiece.
Beyond Our Shores Foundation, a U.S. and Puerto Rico registered fisheries research nonprofit headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island, received the Conservation Award for an Outstanding Organization in recognition of its Dolphin Research Program, an international angler-driven tagging program that investigates the movements, life history and population dynamics of dolphinfish. Wessley Merten, executive director of Beyond Our Shores Foundation, accepted the award.
Paolo Coen was recognized with the Conservation Award for an Outstanding Individual for his passion for marine life and unwavering personal and financial support to the GHF and marine conservation. The Nicaraguan-born entrepreneur is a partner in Grupo Coen, a prominent family-owned conglomerate in Central America specializing in agriculture, financial services, real estate and tissue paper production. He also serves as chairman of Alas Doradas, a paper-recycling mill in El Salvador that processes 90,000 metric tons of paper waste annually, conserving more than 1.5 million trees every year.
“Our honorees are true champions of conservation and education, working tirelessly to protect marine ecosystems and enrich our understanding of the ocean,” said GHF CEO Jessica Harvey. “Their dedication and our collective efforts underscore the importance of our mission. To all our partners and supporters, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for helping to facilitate our efforts both in and out of the water and in and out of the classrooms.”
Included among the highlights of the year for the GHF was the expansion of the Foundation’s K-12 marine science curriculum (including the Spanish translation of Plastic Pollution, Plastic Solution K12 lesson plans) and teacher training program throughout Florida, and the launch of the GHF Conservation Education Program. The GHF also celebrated its ongoing commitment to groundbreaking marine research and the addition of new partnerships for merchandise to further highlight Guy Harvey Foundation’s conservation message.
“This is a special night in which we like to look back at everything we have accomplished together throughout the year and also look forward to a bright future ahead,” said Dr. Harvey. “We are so very fortunate to have such wonderful current and new partners that believe in our mission. The journey ahead is long, but with each step, we’re making a difference in exploring, educating and driving impactful change.”
The Love the Blue Gala was supported by Presenting Sponsor Norwegian Cruise Line. Sailfish Sponsor Florida Crystals; Event Planning Sponsor Aloré Event Firm; Entertainment Sponsor FPL; Photo Booth Sponsor Resolve Marine Group and Mission Resolve; Signature Drink Sponsor Pier Sixty-Six; Media Sponsor The Maus Family; and Valet Sponsor Dex Imaging.
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 world-renowned marine wildlife artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist and explorer, 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 and later, earned his Ph.D. from the University of the West Indies. Though he gave up a budding career as a marine biologist for that of a highly acclaimed artist, Dr. Harvey 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. The Guy Harvey brand brings the undersea world into everyday life through various licensed products including apparel, artwork, home goods and gift items that can be found in various retailers within the US, Caribbean and Central America. With more than one million followers on social media, the Guy Harvey brand has a wide demographic base of outdoor and water enthusiasts and helps benefit marine conservation through the research and education work of the Guy Harvey Foundation, which receives a portion of all proceeds from officially licensed Guy Harvey apparel and merchandise. To learn more about Guy Harvey apparel and merchandise, 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
