Enjoy a tea-time tipple and save the environment

By Lindsey Turnbull

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is hosting its much-loved Hatitude event on Saturday 1st February at the Grand Old House, the Trust’s annual fundraiser that’s now in its seventh year.

This fun event sees National Trust supporters don their finest outfits, always finished off with the glamourous addition of a hat, and enjoy a pleasant afternoon of dining, all in aid of helping to protect and preserve Cayman’s wild environments and the flora and fauna that live within.

Each event follows a particular theme, with previous years including Birds of a Feather, Brunch Upon a Time and Hatitude Gone Wild, each encouraging guests’ creativity as to the design of their outfit and, of course, the all-important hat. This year’s event is called ‘Tea by the Sea’, and guests are encouraged to wear nautical or marine-themed hats. Participants are encouraged to participate in the Best in Hat awards for female, male and child category. The National Trust promises the event will be a lovely family-friendly afternoon of tea, bubbles, sweet and savoury bites, raffle prizes, Party Photo booth and a kid’s craft corner, with Danny Loops as their special musical guest.

“Hatitude is one of the Trust’s largest signature events that is look forward to each year by event-goers,” Laura Butz, Marketing Manager at the National Trust, said. “Each year, the Trust themes its family-friendly event to bring awareness to the importance of protecting and preserving Cayman’s unique and delicate natural environment; this year’s theme is ‘Tea by the Sea.’ A fitting theme to bring awareness to Cayman’s strong connection to our spectacular sea and coral reefs that are teeming with life, our iconic sea turtles and maritime heritage.”

The National Trust undertakes many different roles within the community, so fundraisers such as Hatitude are of great importance in helping to finance the vital work they do.

Laura explained that funds raised by the event would directly support the Trust’s efforts to protect Cayman’s native flora and fauna, endemic species and natural wild environments. These environmental sites include the Mastic Reserve, Central Mangrove Wetlands, the Salina Reserve, Colliers Wilderness Reserve, the Brac Parrott Reserve, the Governor Gore Bird Sanctuary, the Booby Pond in Little Cayman and our iconic Blue Iguana, she stated.

This year Mercedes-Benz are the headline sponsor and will be offering a special raffle prize. Mercedes-Benz will also be highlighting their new environmentally friendly hybrid vehicles. Attendees will also be able to enter to win raffle prizes thanks to donations from local businesses.

Attendees will enjoy a high tea menu, prepared by Grand Old House featuring sweet and savory bites, quiches, mini sandwiches, scones and a selection of desserts and the food will be complemented by Prosecco thanks to sponsor Jacques Scott. Teas from Tea Time in Cayman are sponsored by the CI Shipping Registry.

Find out more by contacting info@nationaltrust.org.ky