Fundraising Report
for Women Divers' Hall Of fame
The Antigua Tourism Authority
joined the International Women Divers Hall Of fame at an amazing auction at the Diving
Equipment manufacturers' Show in Las Vegas on November 17, 2010.
Along with the Antigua and Barbuda New York Tourism Office, the Women Divers Hall of Fame
is hosted a 2010 Gala Auction; a most spectacular event dubbed a KOOL KARIBBEAN
EXTRAVANGA!
Robin Leach, international star of the hit television series, “Lifestyles of the Rich
and Famous” and former Antigua resident, was host and Emcee auctioning off fabulous
Dive & Resort packages and art work worth thousands of dollars! The event showcased
Antigua as a premiere destination in the Caribbean, along with 12 other Caribbean
destinations.
Fund Raising Chair of The Women Divers Hall of Fame, Antigua-based Martha Watkins Gilkes,
stated “I was delighted that, for the fourth year, Antigua and Barbuda was featured
at an event with The Women Divers Hall of Fame. With Robin Leach as host, the evening was
one of the most exciting and entertaining events during the Diving Equipment and Marketing
Association (DEMA) expo in Las Vegas."
DEMA is the world’s leading dive show for professionals, where more than 10,000
industry leaders from around the globe gather to network and do business. The show
attracts an upscale audience and promises to be a star studded evening.
The event featured a steel pan player and authentic Caribbean atmosphere, bringing
together key members of the diving industry for a unique party and auction. The event
raised money for worthy causes such Women Divers Hall of Fame scholarships for young women
entering marine education fields.
During the auction, bidders had an opportunity to purchase an assortment of exclusive
vacation packages donated by Antigua’s top resorts, including Curtain Bluff, Sugar
Ridge, Jolly Beach, TreeTops and Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort. Other Caribbean
destinations also offered exclusive trips in the auction.
The Auction, a highlight of the evening, offered over $50,000 US worth of fabulous dive
trips, escorted tours & lunches/dinners with WDHOF Members, signed artwork and books,
diving and underwater photographic equipment, certificates for professional services, an
interview in an international magazine, and personal memorabilia from the private
collections of famous diving pioneers and celebrities.
