It was a night of glamour, social interaction and nostalgia as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Awardee Beautify CNMI! looked back on its numerous achievements during a fundraising gala held at the Aqua Resort Club Friday night.
Environmental A-listers in the CNMI, including government and private sector officials, environmental groups and individual advocates, rekindled ties and memories as they all got a pat in the back for a successful year behind and encouragements for the year ahead.
The evening began with a video presentation called “Year in Review,” prepared by Beautify CNMI! officer and emcee Angelo Villagomez. The presentation highlighted the accomplishments of the group and the people, organizations and individuals who helped them throughout its first year.
Beautify CNMI! proponent and founder Rep. Cinta Kaipat took center stage to thank everyone who helped make the first year of “infecting the beauty virus” in the CNMI a wildly successful one. Despite the economic hardships, Kaipat said people remain respectful of each other and the environment.
“Let's hang tight in this time of economic crisis,” she said.
She commended the “wonderful partnership” among groups that incessantly support the beautification of the Commonwealth. She particularly cited the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, which has made Saipan beaches pristine once more for everyone to enjoy.
MINA has helped made Wing Beach the cleanest beach so far, she said.
Kaipat thanked also groups and individuals who have been instrumental in Beautify CNMI!'s success: Friends of the Mariana Islands (formerly MOVER), Katie Busenkell, and Villagomez, among many others.
After her speech, Kaipat received a five-minute standing ovation from the hundreds of guests that night.
Environmental Awards
The event also paved the way for the inaugural Governor's Beautify CNMI! Awards. Governor's senior policy adviser Ray Mafnas, Rep. Absalon Waki, Rep. Kaipat, Ken Kramer, Steve Tilley, Busenkell, and Villagomez led the presentation of awards.
The Environmental Champion awards were given to Kathy Yuknavage, Bree Reynolds, and Carl Brachear. The three winners were recognized for volunteerism, cooperation, innovation, creativity and the ability to infect others with the beauty virus.
“They bring environmental issues to the forefront of public consciousness. They make things happen and effect change,” said Villagomez.
The Environmental Steward Awards were given to 11-year-old Adam Sablan and the Friends of Mariana Islands. Both awardees were recognized for leading the community in activities that help protect the environment. “They have demonstrated the need to take pride in our islands and to take care of the place we call home. They serve as examples for others, especially the next generation to follow,” said Villagomez.
The Earth Team Award was given to the Friends of the Mariana Islands. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service officer Ken Kramer said this award is a national recognition among the 50 other states in the United States. FMI president Marites Castillo and other members of the group personally received the award. The group received a standing ovation from the crowd.
MINA chair Jesus C. Borja closed the event commending Beautify CNMI! and reassuring the group that MINA would remain a strong partner of the environmental group.
Donations
The event didn't conclude without private organizations stepping up to the plate to help Beautify CNMI!
Bank of Guam's Marci Tomokane handed over $500 to the group for the procurement of a trailer. Tomokane said when she read about it in the newspaper, she didn't hesitate to seek funds for the group.
Event host Aqua Resort Club gave another donation. ARC finance officer Joy de Jesus and F&B sales manager Yoshimi Kodama handed over a check worth $1,200, which was collected from the hotel's lunch and dinner promos for the group.
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