NASSAU, The Bahamas, February 26, 2024 – The Baha Mar Resort Foundation announced today its second annual golf invitational, taking place at Baha Mar, the leading resort destination in The Bahamas. The Baha Mar Resort Foundation champions sustainable conservation efforts, celebrates the diverse cultural traditions and artistic expressions of The Bahamas, strengthens the community through various improvements, and more. The three-day event will feature a reception and auction at ECCHO art and exhibition space, followed by 18-holes at Royal Blue, the most acclaimed golf course in The Bahamas and a day of family-fun at Mini Blue, Baha Mar’s professionally designed mini-golf course. Proceeds from the fundraising event will support the mission of the Baha Mar Resort Foundation’s core community pillar, with all proceeds supporting The Bahamas Association for Physically Disabled, a local community center, and additional local charities.
The previous year’s Invitational successfully raised a total of $130,000, allowing the Foundation to allocate funds to local organizations committed to conservation, empowering Bahamian youth, advocating for humane animal treatment, and supporting various community initiatives. These organizations included the Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled which received $60,000 to provide service to young people in the community with special needs, through the provision of daycare, special education, physical therapy, computer training, and speech therapy. The Bahamas National Trust was awarded $50,000 to manage public spaces, and put towards conserving biodiversity and educational programs that inspire youth to protect The Bahamas natural resources. Additionally, Baark! received $20,000 for their island-wide spay and neuter program for cats and dogs as well as to reduce the homeless animal population and end the suffering of dogs and cats in The Bahamas, while The Bahamas Humane Society was granted $10,000 to promote the humane treatment of animals and prevent cruelty to animals through continuous education and other methods.
“We are looking forward to hosting our second annual Baha Mar Resort Foundation Golf Invitational, following a very successful first year for our local community,” said Graeme Davis, President, Baha Mar. “This event provides a fun way to raise funds that will make a direct and substantial impact on those that live in our community.”
The event will begin with a special welcome reception and auction at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17 at ECCHO (Expressive Collaborations & Creative House of Opportunities), Baha Mar’s 13,000 sq. ft. multifunctional creative platform for local and international artists, as well as the first-ever outpost for The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. ECCHO exhibits programming towards a common goal of reflecting and redefining Bahamian identity. Auction items will include original artwork by John Cox, Executive Director of Arts and Culture at Baha Mar, as well as a multi-immersive experience at ECCHO inclusive of dinner for six guests, a figure drawing class, signed artwork and a private tour, among other exclusive items to be announced at a later date.
On Saturday, May 18, players will be welcomed at Royal Blue, Baha Mar’s 18-hole course designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. Unfolding over a gorgeous, naturally evolving landscape, the course is set against dramatic views of undulating fairways and rolling white-sand dunes. Play will begin at 10:00 am with a light breakfast at Royal Blue Tavern, followed by a competitive round of golf. Throughout the event, golfers will be awarded special prizes for individual competitions including “longest drive” and “closest to the pin.” The invitational will conclude with a luncheon and Award Ceremony at Royal Blue Tavern.
New to the invitational weekend this year is an exciting addition—a third day filled with family-friendly programming and a new group competition that’s sure to engage friends and family. Taking place on Sunday, May 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the resort’s Mini Blue course, the invitational’s Family Fun Day will feature a miniature golf tournament for teams of 4-6, with an entry donation of $150 per group. Teams will be competing for the ultimate prize, a weekend stay at Baha Mar. Additional fun-filled activities families can enjoy will include ice cones, cotton candy, refreshments and carnival games.
“We hope to continue making this tournament weekend a success, providing a platform to involve more young people and strengthen our relationship with the community and corporate partners. It’s important that both the Foundation and our annual Invitational evolves year after year,” said Robert Sands, SVP of Government & Community Relations, Baha Mar.
Proceeds from the three-day event will contribute to the support of local community initiatives. The first is the Bahamas Association for Physically Disabled, which strives to deliver optimal services to young people in the community with special needs. These services include daycare, special education, physical therapy, computer training, and speech therapy, all within an environment committed to fostering self-esteem, improved social skills, and functionally independent living wherever possible. Proceeds will also be donated to update the local community center, which provides Bahamian youths with a facility for after school education, sports, and the cultivation of social skills, as well as additional local charity organizations.
For more information on tickets and participating in the Baha Mar Resort Foundation Golf Invitational, please visit www.bahamar.com or reach out to foundationgolf@bahamar.com
