The Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF) celebrated 16 years of transformational initiatives in marine science research, education and ocean conservation during the annual, Love the Blue Gala, at the Lauderdale Yacht Club. Supporters, donors and partners enjoyed a cocktail reception, dinner, award ceremony, live auction and live musical entertainment, all to raise awareness and funds for the GHF’s ocean research and education efforts. Throughout the night, guests enjoyed a curated selection of videos showcasing the GHF’s groundbreaking initiatives in research, education, innovation and conservation. During the Gala, world-renowned artist, conservationist, scientist and GHF Chairman Emeritus Dr. Guy Harvey and GHF CEO Jessica Harvey presented the Guy Harvey Foundation Conservation Awards to outstanding organizations and individuals who excelled in research, education and conservation this year.
The 2024 Guy Harvey Foundation Awards recipients were:
School District of Manatee County was presented with the Education Award for an Outstanding Organization for its commitment to marine science education and ocean conservation.
Jennifer Bakakos received the Education Award for Outstanding Individual for her dedication to teaching STEAM education.
Beyond Our Shores Foundation, a U.S. and Puerto Rico registered fisheries research nonprofit headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island, received the Conservation Award for an Outstanding Organization in recognition of its Dolphin Research Program, an international angler-driven tagging program that investigates the movements, life history and population dynamics of dolphinfish.
Paolo Coen was recognized with the Conservation Award for an Outstanding Individual for his passion for marine life and unwavering personal and financial support to the GHF and marine conservation.
The Love the Blue Gala was supported by Presenting Sponsor Norwegian Cruise Line. Sailfish Sponsor Florida Crystals; Event Planning Sponsor Aloré Event Firm; Entertainment Sponsor FPL; Photo Booth Sponsor Resolve Marine Group and Mission Resolve; Signature Drink Sponsor Pier Sixty-Six; Media Sponsor The Maus Family; and Valet Sponsor Dex Imaging.
Guy Harvey is a world-renowned marine wildlife artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist and explorer, fiercely devoted to his family and his love of the sea. His childhood passion for the ocean and its living creatures not only inspired him to draw, but fueled a burning interest that prompted a formal education in marine science and, later, earned his Ph.D. from the University of the West Indies. Though he gave up a budding career as a marine biologist for that of a highly acclaimed artist, Dr. Harvey has continued his relentless pursuit to unravel the mysteries of the sea, traveling the world to better understand the habits and habitats of the marine wildlife he paints. The Guy Harvey brand brings the undersea world into everyday life through various licensed products including apparel, artwork, home goods and gift items that can be found in various retailers within the US, Caribbean and Central America.
With a focused mission to better understand and conserve the ocean environment, the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF) collaborates with local, national and international organizations to conduct scientific research and provides funding to affiliated researchers who share this objective The GHF also develops and hosts cutting-edge educational programs that help educators to foster the next era of marine conservationists, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a properly balanced ocean ecosystem.