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 foundation’s groundbreaking initiatives in research, education, innovation and conservation. During the gala, world-renowned artist, conservationist, scientist and GHF Chair 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.
Among the 2024 award recipients was Jennifer Bakakos, who received the Education Award for Outstanding Individual for her dedication to teaching STEAM education.
Bakakos is the environmental animal and science academy teacher at Frontier Elementary School in The Acreage, where last year she implemented the Guy Harvey teacher resources for “Plastic Pollution, Plastic Solution,” which allows students to learn about ocean conservation while creating an unforgettable school-wide art masterpiece.
Other honorees included the School District of Manatee County, the Beyond Our Shores Foundation and marine conservation supporter Paolo Coen.
“Our honorees are true champions of conservation and education, working tirelessly to protect marine ecosystems and enrich our understanding of the ocean,” Jessica Harvey said. “Their dedication and our collective efforts underscore the importance of our mission. To all our partners and supporters, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for helping to facilitate our efforts both in and out of the water and in and out of the classrooms.”
Included among the highlights of the year for the GHF was the expansion of the foundation’s K-12 marine science curriculum (including the Spanish translation of “Plastic Pollution, Plastic Solution” K-12 lesson plans) and teacher training program throughout Florida, and the launch of the GHF Conservation Education Program. The GHF also celebrated its ongoing commitment to groundbreaking marine research and the addition of new partnerships for merchandise to further highlight GHF’s conservation message.
For more information about the Guy Harvey Foundation’s educational, research and conservation initiatives, or to get involved, visit www.guyharveyfoundation.org.
