COLE BAY--Aqua Mania Adventures raised more than US $3,000 for breast cancer awareness foundations in St. Maarten during its second annual Pink Sunset Sail held recently.
The funds raised will be donated to the Positive and Elektralyets Foundations in support of breast cancer awareness. The foundations will use the funds to offer free screening and mammograms for those who cannot afford it, the printing and distribution of informative literature and the set-up of support groups.
A total of 180 persons participated in the sail, many of whom purchased raffle tickets to have a chance of winning one of the prizes up for grabs. The prizes were donated by several businesses. Proceeds from the raffle went to the foundations as well as part of the proceeds from the Pink Sunset Sail tickets.
Three catamarans were part of the sail: Tango, Lambada and Golden Eagle 4, one more vessel than participated last year. Aqua Mania Adventures decided to add an additional boat to accommodate more people. “Last year we had to turn down a lot of people as we were sold out the week prior to the event. By adding another boat we didn’t have to disappoint anyone,” said event organiser Michele Korteweg. “Welcoming and boarding 180 people in a time-span of 30 minutes can get really chaotic, but thanks to Aqua Mania’s fantastic staff it all went very smoothly and the boats left in time to see a spectacular sunset.”
Before boarding the boats, patrons were welcomed and organisers spoke about the purpose of the event: to generate awareness about breast cancer. “Seeing all these people all dressed in our pink T-shirts, was a very impressive sight. Everyone present cared so much about the cause and was proud to show their support. The amount raised for the local foundations is spectacular and we can’t thank our guests enough for making such an incredible contribution to this important cause,” Korteweg added.
Elektralyets Foundation President Mercedes “Elektra” van der Waals-Wyatt was happy to see so many persons in attendance. “The participants were really excited and to see so many of them wearing pink shirts while the sun was setting was just simply amazing. By working with Aqua Mania Adventures we have bridged a gap and brought breast cancer awareness to the marine industry of St. Maarten. It gives me a good feeling to see that the fleet was increased to three boats this year, which is an indication that we are slowly getting more persons involved in a creative and fun way and still bringing the message across of how important it is to get checked as early detection can save lives,” Elektra said.
“Aqua Mania’s slogan that was chosen this year “treasure your chest” really resonated with a positive and clear message to participants. Breast cancer is a hard topic to discuss, but through this creative activity it gives people a chance to talk about it in a relaxed, calm and fun setting.” Once on board, people enjoyed the sunset, pink mimosas, snacks and music while cruising the coastline.
Van der Waals-Wyatt thanked Aqua Mania Adventures and for their continued collaboration for this initiative and said she looked forward to making the event bigger and even better in the coming years.
Thanking everyone who was involved, Positive Foundation President Shelly Alphonso said the event had been a huge success because of everyone’s participation. “It was a [great – Ed.] sight witnessing three boats with all its passengers dressed in their “treasure your chest” pink T-Shirts leaving the dock. It is a great way for all of us to be breast aware. Rebranding The Red Piano to The Pink Piano was awesome. We are truly grateful for the continued support and your belief in our breast cancer awareness call to action which is ‘Feel it, Find it and Fight it,’” Alphonso said.
The Positive and Elektralyets Foundations have a full calendar of events to raise awareness for breast cancer for the remainder of this month.
