With both models and a whole lot of
rain hitting the runway last Saturday night, the Tortuga Moon party was still
able to deliver on its promise of a good time for all in attendance.
The event attracted an enthusiastic
crowd eager to raise funds to go towards the medical care of animals at Boatswain’s
Beach and the Turtle Farm, and organizers are still tallying up the final
numbers on the funds raised.
The centrepiece of the auction was an
original collaborative painting of Moriah, a rehabilitated green sea turtle
living at the Farm, by artists Guy Harvey and Wyland. Though it did not sell,
it is now at the Guy Harvey gallery in George Town, and the funds from its sale
will still go into the facility’s medical budget.
Boatswain’ Beach/Turtle Farm veterinarian
Dr. Johanna Mejia-Fava, who took part in organizing the event, said the idea
came from the realisation that a relatively simple surgery on one of the
animals can cost upwards of $2000.
“The St. Matthew’s students did an amazing
job, so many of them volunteered and they really worked hard putting the event
together,” said Ms Melia-Fava.
“Without them the event could not
have happened.”
The event featured music from "Thanks
and Praises" band and DJ Dweitt, a silent and live auction, a raffle, and the
highlight of the evening, a fashion show featuring a menagerie of animals on
loan from Dolphin Cove, the Pirate Caves, Little
Trotters pre-school and the Humane Society.
Most applauded was a Mallard duck
from Little Trotters, with a few reluctant participants including some
exuberant goats and a miniature horse from the pre-school who literally put his
hoof down and refused to make the trip.
The Humane Society dogs, along with
various tropical birds and bunnies did a great job along with the models in
showing off designs from Tel Aviv Couture, Cayman Shoe Shop, De Sunglass Man,
The Mansion, Animal Necessity, LLC, and Hair and Makeup by Wild Strawberries.
“Even though it rained, I think it was actually
a good omen, as the animals were much more comfortable indoors,” said Ms
Melia-Fava.
“I would say the rain just brought
the group closer in a nice intimate setting.”
While plans for a beach party were
rained out, all who came had a great time.