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Casa de Campo Resort and Villas, in collaboration with IB Náutica, hosted a beneficial event on Friday, May 10th, at the latter’s Shipyard, located in the Marina of Casa de Campo. The main purpose of this activity, named Gentle to the Sea, was to raise funds for the Dominican Marine Studies Foundation (FUNDEMAR) and to raise awareness about the importance of ocean preservation.
From 6:30 in the evening, a select group of guests were welcomed by the Caslini family, owners of IB Náutica, who offered a warm welcome cocktail and an exquisite dinner.
Words of welcome were delivered by Jason Kycek, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Casa de Campo Hotel, who expressed gratitude for the support received to help raise awareness and funds for FUNDEMAR.
“We are honored to partner with the Caslini Family, IB Náutica & AZIMUT, the CDC Marina & Yacht Club, Grupo Bentrani, Rolex, Santo Domingo Times, Evelyn Betancourt, Rita Sellares from Fundemar and the renowned artist Ingrid Haubrich, who flew from Spain to join us for this special evening. Thank you for all your support and for being here with us,” said Kycek.
The executive said that Casa de Campo has always been a staunch believer in supporting the community and environmental conservation. He noted that they have had the privilege of supporting FUNDEMAR in its mission to promote the sustainability of coastal-marine ecosystems, which play a vital role in protecting and preserving natural resources for future generations.
He highlighted that Casa de Campo has collaborated with FUNDEMAR on an exciting project for the conservation and restoration of reefs in La Romana. He detailed that, through the “Solidarity Plate” initiative, they invite guests to enjoy an authentic Dominican gastronomic experience at the Minitas Beach Club, donating a portion of the sales to FUNDEMAR. “Since the start of this program, over $20,000 has been raised, with plans to continue generating funds in the upcoming year,” he said.
The event included a panel discussion led by communicator Evelyn Betancourt, whose panelists addressed questions related to the role of the nautical industry in ocean protection, covering topics such as electrification of boats, emission reduction and the use of sustainable technologies.
A highlighted moment of the evening was the live painting by Argentinean artist Ingrid Haubrich, who presented her series “Tides,” inspired by the oceans and aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of water and environmental conservation.
The most anticipated moment of the night was the auction for the benefit of FUNDEMAR, led by entrepreneur Steven Ankrom. In the auction, a painting by artist Ingrid Haubrich and a TUDOR watch from the Beltrani group were offered.
The event was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including important diplomats such as Stefano Queirolo Palmas, Ambassador of Italy to the country, Eric Fournier, Ambassador of France and Katja Afheldt, Ambassador of the European Union to the Dominican Republic. Likewise, there were prominent figures from the artistic field such as Leopoldo Maler, Fernando Varela, Mirian Balcácer, América Olivo and Thelma Leonor. Among the present entrepreneurs were Luis José Asilis president of the Metro Country Club and Ralphy Bensadon from the Beltrani Group, along with other important representatives of the Casa de Campo community.
FUNDEMAR, the Dominican Marine Studies Foundation, has been crucial in marine conservation in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean since 1991. Its achievements include significant milestones such as assisted reproduction of corals, coral DNA extraction, manatee reintroduction, and the national aerial census of manatees.
Pictures by Mairobi Herrera.
