Palm Beach. -- General Manager Balan Paravantavida had the distinct honor to announce on Friday that as a result of hard work, dedication, commitment and teamwork, the Fundraising Ball, Saturday, October 22nd, collected Afls 41.766,56 for the cause of the island’s four-legged residents.
A check will be presented today by the Aruba Marriott Resort to the incoming president of Animal Rights Aruba, ARA, Roy Mezas, in the presence of the outgoing President Gerry Mans.
Paravantavida reports that the fundraising initiative got friends and neighbors in the business community together to support ARA’s worthy cause.
As a matter of fact, it was a concerned tourist and guest of the Marriott, Dorothy Harris- Gula, who originally voiced her concern to him as to the welfare of animals roaming the island’s streets and beaches.
Under the guidance of Maritza Boyce, Rona Coster, and Marina Pesquera—volunteers with ARA— and with the complete support of General manager Rick Zeolla, Paravantavida became convinced that raising funds for ARA was the right choice.
The proceeds from the unforgettable evening attended by the Minister of Tourism and Transportation, Edisson Briesen, and by the Minister of Health and Welfare, Booshi Wever, and their respective spouses, as well as government officials, local residents and members of the press, exceeded all expectations.
The amount collected from ticket sales, raffles and a live auction, including significant art pieces, jewelry, electronic equipment and several nights’ stays at Marriott Hotels and Resorts in different countries, will go directly to support the Spay and Neuter Program which will be launched here in collaboration with the local vet clinics.
Over the last few years, Paravantavida explains, members of Animal Rights Aruba, under the leadership of Gerry and Louise Mans and Roy Metz, have given much of their time and energy with complete passion to make a difference in the lives of animals here. Many cats and dogs on this island are plagued with disease and hunger, and wander the streets everyday. With the suffering of these animals, the entire island—tourism, in particular—suffers as well, Paravantavida adds.
Animal Rights Aruba is currently initiating a spay and neuter campaign for owned and stray dogs to humanely begin to reverse the numbers of dogs and cats wandering the streets…and this is where Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club has decided to implement a core value with Marriott—the “Spirit to Serve” the community, Paravantavida concludes.
Special thanks go to tireless Linda Kelly, Aruba Surf Club Executive Secretary and Karin Swiers, Public Relations Manager, Aruba Marriott Resort for sparing no efforts and to Tina Escobedo, Island Temptation magazine for her contributions.
Marlene Purcell, who orchestrated the auction and Natasha Dragt, ASC, who spearheaded ticket sales donated much of their energy to the success of the event.
Emcee Erin Croes and auctioneer Kenneth Faustin, contributed their time and wisdom. Last but not least, thanks to the Kitchen and Catering staff for their hard work and to the volunteers selling the raffle tickets.
The “Have A Heart” Fundraising Ball that was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, was a sold out event with over 450 people in attendance. Guests enjoyed a 3-course seated dinner with Italian pastry for dessert and were entertained by the SOS Band and Cool FM’s DJ Krish.
The evening was co-sponsored by Caribbean Overseas, Marriott Vacation Club Cypress Harbor Resort, JW Marriott Lima Peru, Colombian Emeralds, Gemani Jewelers, Noble Jewelers, Radisson Aruba, Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club, Mandara Spa, NY Marquis Marriott, NY East Side Marriott, Boolchand’s, San Juan Marriott, Curacao Marriott, Chicago Downtown Marriott, Panama Marriott, Vela Windsurfing Center, Shiva’s Jewelers, Royal Jewelers, Lucky Electronics, Belinda de Veer, Lois Schlowsky, Family Fun Center, Perfect Pictures, Beauty & the Beast, Kay Jewelers, Jolly Pirates, Moomba Beach, The Links at Divi Aruba, Caribbean Mercantile Bank, Alico, Viking Freight, Aruba Surf Club Care Foundation, Stellaris Casino, Harry Koeman, Aruba Bank Antony Blok, Digicel, AHATA, Aruba Investment Bank, Hyatt, Taste of Belgium, ATSA and Wyndham. New India Insurance, Marketing Plus, Lions Club of Aruba, Kings Jewelers, Elsa’s Flowershop, Flora Market, Prographics, Eric Jan Eman, BSL, ANIMAGIC, KREEZIE KOLORS, The Jungle, T.H. Palm & Co., the Coconut Trading Company, the Juggling Fish, Phoenix Resort and Noah’s Ark.
ARA offices are located in L.G. Smith Blvd. 160, #125 Sun Plaza.
For more information about ARA call Tel.: 588-7709.
