By: Yolanda Pawar
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) hosted its signature fundraising gala, Harvest Haven, on the scenic grounds of the Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI). Celebrating 13 years of transforming lives and strengthening communities across Eleuthera, this year’s affair delivered an unforgettable blend of fine dining, cultural performances, and community spirit to support the mission of OEF.
The event brought together supporters, donors, and community stakeholders to raise funds for OEF’s sustainable development work across five key areas of focus: education, economic development, environmental stewardship, community health and wellness, and cultural heritage preservation.
The Harvest Heroes tradition continued this year, honoring local first responders, community leaders, public servants, and volunteers with sponsored tickets to attend the event as a token of OEF’s appreciation for their community service. The night’s entertainment lineup included the smooth sounds of saxophonist Lyden Sands, a thrilling fire dancing showcase, a live band, and an exhilarating Junkanoo rush-out.
The night opened with a vibrant “Mix and Mingle” reception featuring live culinary stations, passed canapés, and refreshing beverages. Guests were treated to an elevated tasting experience, featuring Tomato Bruschetta, Lobster Rolls, Smoked Salmon and Chive Pancakes, Sushi Rolls, Sashimi and Fruit Kebabs, alongside hot appetizers such as Corn and Crab Fritters, Lamb Cutlets with Mango Mint Chutney, and Curry Chicken Satay skewers, all prepared and served from a sizzling EVO grill station. Sushi lovers were delighted by the savory creations of renowned chef Ray Mackey, whose exquisite sushi rolls and sashimi added a diverse culinary twist to the evening.
The seated dinner, also expertly curated by Guest Chef Emmanuel “Manny” Gibson of Manuelo’s Restaurant, showcased local ingredients and freshly harvested produce from the CTI Farm. Dishes included Roasted Pumpkin Bisque, Eleuthera Beet and Goat Cheese Mousse Salad, and a luxurious entrée duo of Grilled Beef Tenderloin and Pan-Seared Grouper, accompanied by sides of Truffle Risotto and Heirloom Honey-Glazed Carrots. Dessert was an artful finale, featuring a Milk Chocolate Chai Gateau and Guava Cheesecake Tartlets.
Proceeds from Harvest Haven directly support OEF’s community development initiatives, including its robust education and nationally accredited skills training programs, facilitated by CTI.
In the last fiscal year, OEF and CTI awarded more than $262,000 in technical and vocational scholarships, empowering hundreds of students across Eleuthera with life-changing education and workforce development opportunities. In 2024 alone, OEF distributed over $56,000 in disaster relief supplies and hurricane preparedness resources to local government administrators and community agencies, reinforcing its commitment to Eleuthera’s resilience and disaster response readiness.
Additionally, the funds raised will help expand OEF’s free “Learn to Swim” program, which has provided vital water safety and drowning prevention training to nearly 300 children and adults since its launch five years ago. The next step will be to extend this program into the local primary schools’ physical education curriculum in South Eleuthera.
Looking ahead, OEF remains committed to advancing local food security efforts and sustainable agriculture programs. This will include the continued development of the Oasis Grow House, the CTI Farm, and the newly launched Regenerative Food Forest. These initiatives will continue to provide year-round community access to nutritious and affordable food while reducing imports and supplying local food stores, hotels, and restaurants with premium home-grown produce.
“Harvest Haven is more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of community, purpose, and people working together for the common good,” explains Keyron Smith, President & CEO of One Eleuthera Foundation. “This event commemorates the impact One Eleuthera Foundation has made and reaffirms our shared commitment to progress. Funds raised will directly support our mission to invest in people and introduce sustainable solutions to the challenges we face. With the ongoing support of friends, donors, and our partners, we can continue to drive community-led change across Eleuthera.”
Special thanks go to all generous donors and event partners whose support made the evening a resounding success. OEF acknowledges Bahamas Striping Group of Companies as the evening’s Title Sponsor, along with valued contributions and door prizes provided by Daddy Joe’s, Old Ike Bay, Furniture Plus Ltd., Bristol Wines & Spirits, Islands and Cays, Comfort Suites, Atlantis, Paradise Island and the Buccaneer Club.
Click the link to see more photos of the event : https://oneeleuthera.org/harvest-haven/
To support OEF’s ongoing initiatives or to give an anniversary gift, visit www.oneeleuthera.org or email info@oneeleuthera.org.
