Nassau, Bahamas - A classy night at the Fort: That’s
what is in store for Nassauvians on Friday night, February 5th when the Bahamas Humane
Society holds it’s
B-Humane launch: “A Night with the
Arts”, generously sponsored by the Swiss bank: Lombard Odier. This event has
been painstakingly put together by the Fundraising and Events director of the
BHS Rebecca (Becky) Armbrister. She first started to dream about it when she
took the job at the BHS in May 2009.
It took months of planning, talking, cajoling, persuading, begging,
pleading, patience, and…Oh
yes,
hard work! On Friday that dream will become a reality at our very own Ft.
Charlotte lit up by flairs, with a carpet scattered with paw prints and a host
of guests all dressed in white and aqua…. with the splendid eighteenth century
Fort as a majestic backdrop. What a great evening this promises to be.
The ever increasingly popular band
“The Illest” (formally known as Willis & the Illest) will be playing during
the evening and guests will also be treated to a performance by Shiraz.
When not listening to live music there
will be a DJ making sure the night will be filled with familiar melodies.
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Art by Dede Brown, Dylan
Rapillard, Kelley Knowles, Jonathan Bethel, and Patricia Vazquez will be on
display and on sale; the artists are generously donating part proceeds to the
Bahamas Humane Society. This is a celebration of youth and art reaching out to
the less fortunate members of the Bahamas.
Reaching out to those unable to speak for themselves, those
unable to defend themselves against intolerable acts of injustice and cruelty.
There will be film clips for the guests to see of
both “Children of God” by Kareem Mortimer and “Rain” by Maria Govan, both
highly acclaimed and respected Bahamian made full-length films. These two films
are powerful in their own way sending out a clear and important message to the
people of the Bahamas that the time is now to change attitudes and love and
nurture all that we have in our land, including the precious animals the good
Lord gave us. For those who like to shop Anne Maura will have her exquisite
Venetian glass jewelry for sale, 242 people will have their exciting new line
available and of course the new Bahamas Humane Society T-shirt…with the very
distinctive white paw print will be available for sale.
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Perhaps, though, the most exciting
will be the unveiling of the 14 banners carefully and lovingly put together by
Becky Armbrister. Bahamian photographer supreme Scharad Lightbourne
photographed 14 different and beautiful, young, talented, vibrant animal-loving
Bahamians to grace these banners that will hang in our streets and remind people
that we need to love and respect animals every day of our lives.
This evening will also serve as
the launch of the “Travel Bonanza” raffle.
1000 tickets only are to be sold by
the 26th of March. First prize is a trip for two to London and a
five-night stay in a five Star hotel; Cruises and long weekends make up the
remaining four prizes. Tickets are $100.00…the odds are pretty good for the
gambling man! The tickets will be on sale on Friday night at the Fort. Maybe a
little magic will rub off those ancient walls that have seen so much and
witnessed myriad changes in our little town of Nassau!
By Jonathan Bethel
This glittering, glamorous, high
profile evening also offers drinks, and food, served thought-out the Fort…Fun,
exciting, and affordable (for all pocketbooks) silent auctions, and a raffle.
There is truly something for everyone…
At a time when the world is
hurting, there is room for a little merriment if it serves to help those less
fortunate. The Bahamas Humane Society dedicates itself to the care and
protection of all animals around the Bahamas, on occasion we have been known to
reach out across boundaries to help in times of need. The BHS is a non-profit
organization that runs solely on money earned from the services it renders and
the generosity of the general public… There is a grant for $15,000.00 a year
from The Government of the Bahamas, once a grand sum, and now barely sufficient
to keep the doors open for more than a few days. Events such as this one help
to raise funds and generate awareness.
The amazing enthusiasm and
willingness of the artists to pitch in and participate, be photographed,
exhibit, and perform is warming to the heart. There is still so much good left
in this world, and in this country. Tonight’s event organized by a young
Bahamian, with young Bahamian artists participating is a portrait painted with
hope, passion, and empathy is a testimonial to this very fact. For those of us,
not quite so young any more, it is energizing to see the next generation step
up to the bat and move forward in the right direction, a road peppered with
pitfalls but softened by dedication and love.
By Jonathan Bethel
The support of a strong and
respected bank such as Lombard Odier who stepped forward and offered to sponsor
this event gave the BHS the essential funds to be able to have the banners
printed and installed, and to be able to provide the necessary infrastructure
at the Fort to make this event possible. It is very important for the business
sector to involve itself in matters of social importance. There is no doubt
that the protection of animals and the desire to stamp out cruelty is a very
important cause, Lombard Odier is to be commended for their generosity and
forward thinking in their dedication to the mission of the Bahamas Humane
Society.
The AMMC (The Antiquities,
Monuments and Museums Corporation) was quick to step up and allow the Bahamas Humane
Society to use the Fort as a venue for this fabulous event. This launch has
been a meeting of many minds, the brain child of one, and supported by many… I
hope that many of you will join us all on Friday to celebrate the arts and
support the animals of our nation.
By sculptor Kelley Knowles
The tickets for “Bhumane a Night
with the Arts” are still available, though, it is exciting to see the speed
with which they are selling. They can be purchased at the Shelter (323 5138)
Fab Finds at both Lyford Cay and Harbour Bay Shopping centers, Tommy Bahama at
the Mall at Marathon, and Headlines at the Hoffer Shopping strip at Cable Beach.
The price is $75.00 per person, $100.00 at the gate….
Come one, come all, raise a glass,
a vibrant toast to the beauty of our nation and the power of art and youth!
Together we will make a difference for the animals in the Bahamas.
About
the author: Kim Aranha grew
up in the Berry Islands with her first dog, a beloved potcake named “Friendly”
(who was anything but!). First educated at home, and then in boarding school in
Switzerland, Kim moved to Rome, Italy in 1974 to pursue a career in the
dramatic arts and ended up working as an interpreter. She moved back to The
Bahamas in 1980, and now lives in Nassau with her husband Paul, and their two grown
sons. Kim has 3 dogs, 3 goldfish fish, a tank of freshwater exotic fish, 11
turtles (2 babies, 6 adolescents. 3 adults), 1 Asian box turtle and 4
Budgerigars. Her idea of relaxing is being home to take care of all her pets.
Kim is President of the Bahamas Humane Society, and serves on the board of
BREEF, and is co-chairman of the Bahamas Sea Turtle Conservation Group. Kim can
be contacted at berryislandgirl@gmail.com
