Dr. Guy Harvey and Jessica Harvey, hosts of the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation virtual fundraiser

Sir Richard Branson and America’s favorite zookeeper Jack Hanna were among the special guests that joined world-renowned artist, conservationist and scientist Dr. Guy Harvey for the 12th Annual Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) Banquet and Auction.

Dr. Guy Harvey and his daughter Jessica, project manager for GHOF, hosted this year’s fundraiser which, like most events in the past 10 months, was held virtually. Through donations and proceeds from the online auction, the GHOF far exceeded their fundraising goal to help support their research, education and ocean conservation programs for the coming year. The GHOF is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the seas, supporting groundbreaking research and helping foster the next generation of ocean conservationists.

“Jungle” Jack Hanna, director emeritus of Columbus Zoo, joins the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation virtual fundraiser

“COVID may have prevented us from gathering in person, but we were thrilled to share virtually what we have accomplished in 2020 with our research and educational initiatives,” said Dr. Guy Harvey. “The support from our donors, sponsors and guests makes all of the work we do possible. We were excited to share several exciting projects we have underway and what we are planning for 2021.”

During the event, which was streamed on the GHOF website and the Guy Harvey YouTube channel, guests were up close and personal with sharks and other marine life in their natural habitat as Dr. Harvey and Jessica navigated viewers through international waters. The video was highlighted by spectacular footage of ocean expeditions, close encounters with marine wildlife, the tagging and tracking of sharks and information on various research studies that are underway. The evening ended with a special musical performance by one of Dr. Harvey’s all-time favorite bands, The Wailers.

Dr. Guy Harvey welcomes Sir Richard Branson

“Research is the basis for conservation,” added Dr. Harvey. “But it’s also critical to educate and engage the public. Our focus in 2021 will be on education, particularly with students from elementary through high school. They are the future conservationists, scientists and marine biologists.”

A selection of Dr. Harvey’s original and printed artwork, trips to exotic locations, ocean excursions with Dr. Harvey and other unique items were up for bid during the auction where 100% of the proceeds benefited the GHOF.

The Wailers perform during the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation virtual fundraiser

Sponsors were Advanced Roofing, Cedarstream Company, Divvy Up Socks, The Hudson Family Fund, Intradeco Apparel, Jack Schwartz Shoes, Keen M Sportfishing, King Sailfish Mounts, Las Ventanas del Mar, Los Suenos Resort and Marina, Mission Resolve, Kevin Kopp, Bob Osborn, Nova Southeastern University (NSU), NSU Athletics, Papa’s Pilar Rum, Park West Galleries, The Parts House, Quantum Multimedia, Realtree, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Spoke Custom Products, Starfish, Starcraft, TAG Heuer, Tervis, Tropic Star Lodge, the Wye Foundation, Yeti, Casa Vieja Lodge, and Guy Harvey Outpost.

For more information and to make a donation visit www.GuyHarvey.com or e-mail GHOF@GuyHarvey.com. 

Dr. Harvey has built a global lifestyle brand featuring apparel, footwear, accessories, home, pet products and merchandise designed with marine wildlife art that is unmatched in authenticity and visual appeal. A portion of the proceeds from all Guy Harvey sales benefit the GHOF.

About Guy Harvey: Guy Harvey is a unique blend of artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist, explorer and entrepreneur, 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. Having graduated with honors in Marine Biology from Aberdeen University in Scotland in 1977, Guy returned home to Jamaica to resume his education, earning his Ph.D. from the University of the West Indies in 1984. Though he gave up a budding career as a marine biologist for that of a highly acclaimed artist, Guy 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. For more information, please visit www.guyharvey.com.

About the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation: The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) conducts scientific research and hosts educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment. The GHOF also funds affiliated researchers working to better understand our ocean ecosystem and educators helping to foster the next era of marine conservationists. The GHOF will help ensure that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a properly balanced ocean ecosystem. www.GHOF.org