MINA introduces The Green Gala fundraiser

Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and conserving the Commonwealth’s natural resources, will be hosting what is already being planned as its signature annual fundraising event.

The Green Gala is slated for May 18, Friday, from 6pm to 10pm at the Hibiscus Hall of the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan in Garapan. Cocktail attire is required.

Fran Castro, event committee chair, said in a news briefing Friday that The Green Gala will feature live entertainment provided by a local band, a delectable buffet, and a wide selection of drinks for guests to enjoy.

Castro said The Green Gala will be highlighted by Trash’n Fashion Show featuring outfits made of recyclable materials and a silent auction of artwork and other items donated by a number of individual and corporate sponsors for the event.

Proceeds from the silent auction and the event in general will go to MINA, which it will use to continue its programs.

“It will be a great party so we encourage you to come out, dress up, and enjoy the night with MINA,” said Castro.

Tickets to the event cost $50 each and are available from MINA board members or at the group’s office on the ground floor of the Gualo Rai Center located between the Division of Environmental Quality and J’s Restaurant along Middle Road.

“I know it’s a steep price for some but what you’ll get in return is a memorable evening,” said MINA board vice chair Frankie Eliptico, who added that giveaways will be provided guests.

According to Eliptico, The Green Gala is an opportunity not just to highlight the group’s projects but also for the community “to come together and rally around supporting the environment and protecting the environment.”

As a non-profit organization, MINA relies on “very critical” funds to sustain its programs, Eliptico said. While the group obtains grants from federal agencies, it also relies on the generosity of individuals and businesses as well as fundraising activities.

“This will be a very sophisticated event and we’re inviting everyone to participate by becoming a sponsor or purchasing a ticket,” he added.

Sponsors that have already expressed support for the event include Tan Holdings, Pacific Trading Co., Joeten Enterprises, Fiesta Resort & Spa, Saipan Tribune, Shirley’s, DFS, Hyatt Regency, Athlete’s Foot, Delta Air Lines, Marianas Variety, Joe Weaver, Monika’s Gallery, Greg Elliott, Boarderline, Angil Design, and Kurt Baumgartner.

Eliptico said that The Green Gala is an “important event” for the community to remember that there are many individuals and organizations involved in protecting the environment and other jurisdictions in the region are already looking at “possibly” emulating this fundraiser.

“Hopefully, this is the night we’ll all get together and put the environment at the forefront of all the issues that we face here in the CNMI,” he said. “After all, we are surrounded by a vast body of water where a lot of us make a living from, as well as the natural resources that we need to protect.”

MINA was established in 2005 and has collaborated with government agencies and private companies for its numerous programs, including the Tasi Watch, Adopt-A-Bin, shark campaign, and enhancement of the Mañagaha experience.

For more information, call 233-REEF (7333).