MINA promises an elegant, entertaining Green Gala

Mother Nature is set to have another ball when the Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance hosts its signature fundraising event, the Green Gala, next Friday, Sept. 19, at the Hibiscus Hall of the Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan.

Although there is no specific theme, the night is designed to be one that is elegant, according to MINA board chair Frankie Eliptico. 

“We designed it to be highly enjoyable while promoting awareness of conservation and environmental stewardship,” he told Saipan Tribune. “We want to keep with the spirit of the first Green Gala where we minimized speeches so guests can mingle with other guests and have fun. And dancing, there’ll be lots of dancing!”

Eliptico promised that this year’s Gala will definitely be better because of the continued improvements to the plans he and the MINA team have put together. 

“We have a great team in place and we are excited.”

In addition to entertainment, dinner, and a variety of beverages, the night of elegance will feature highlights from the non-profit origination’s projects, a silent auction, and other activities.

MINA will also be handing out the Green Awards, which recognizes individuals and businesses who are leading the way to become better environmental stewards in the community.

“In addition to our guests having a great time, we want to elevate awareness and understanding of everyone’s responsibility to preserve and protect our precious natural resources,” Eliptico said.

The annual fundraiser aims to raise critical funds that will help continue MINA’s efforts to preserve and protect the CNMI’s fragile environment and biodiversity. 

Eliptico noted that the organization is supported by project grants and from contributions from local businesses and community members as well. 

“The Green Gala will be our largest fundraising event of the year, and it aims to raise funds to enable MINA to sustain its important work,” he added.

The organization has already successfully implemented many projects, including the Obyan Rehabilitation Project, the Teacher Environmental Camp, the Marine Debris Prevention project, Tasi Watch Project, and the Adopt-A-Bin Project, which has placed recycle bins at all the major beaches on the island.

Some 120 tickets have already been sold and the group is expecting to sell about 100 more this week. Tickets to the Sept. 19 event cost $50 each.

The event’s Emerald Sponsors are United Airlines and Joeten. Tan Holdings, Power 99, Duty Free Shoppers are the Title Sponsors. Major Sponsors are The Shack, Pacific Islands Club, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Chong’s Corp., Bridge Capital, Pacific Trading, KKMP, Mariana Resort and Spa, and IT&E

Last year’s Green Gala raised more than $40,000 in cash and in-kind contributions.

Tickets for the event can be bought online through at www.minapacific.org or by visiting the MINA office in Gualo Rai. For inquiries call 233-7333.