The National Trust for the Cayman Islands raised more than CI$30,000 for conservation efforts at its second annual Blue Tie Dinner.
More than 150 guests braved challenging weather to attend the fundraiser in support of the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme, at Grand Old House on 31 January.
The event featured an exclusive preview of the Cayman nature-inspired Blu Lagartos jewellery collection, designed by Susan Foster and Celine Cousteau, followed by dinner under the stars.
Foster joined the dinner, alongside other special guests such as Premier André Ebanks, National Trust’s patron Governor Jane Owen, and environment and sustainability minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks.
Attendees gathered in celebration of a shared commitment to protecting the iconic and endangered Blue Iguana, which is found only on Grand Cayman, the National Trust said in a press release.
Funds raised will support ongoing efforts to conserve critical habitat for the blue iguana, as well as other native flora and fauna found within protected areas such as Colliers Wilderness Reserve and the Salina Reserve.
The National Trust said expanding protected areas for the benefit of wildlife and the wider community remains a priority as the organisation approaches its 40th anniversary in 2027.
Guests also had the opportunity to purchase jewellery from the limited-edition Blu Lagartos collection, which draws inspiration from Cayman’s unique natural heritage.
The designs pay homage to Cayman’s national flower the Wild Banana Orchid, the endangered blue iguana and Sybil crown beard, a plant endemic to Cayman Brac.
Miss Universe Cayman Islands, Tahiti Seymour was among those modelling the jewellery. Proceeds from the collection contributed to the evening’s fundraising total.
National Trust chief executive, Frank Roulstone, said the night was a big success.
“We had a sell-out crowd who came out and made the best of the challenging weather conditions,” he told Cayman Independent.
“The food, music, wine and people of all ages were woven into a tapestry of pure enjoyment.
“We were overwhelmed by and truly appreciate the outpouring of community support and assistance we received.”
The headline sponsors of the event was Walkers, the gold sponsors were Knighthead International and the Department of Tourism, while the silver sponsors were The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, Ambassadors of the Environment, the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, and Caribbean Utilities Company.
