The ‘supreme orbit’ for space creatures and space beauties was found at TBF’s Billfish in Space Gala, which rocked all night long! Definitely the hottest party during the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show. Bacardi libations kept the grooves smooth as guests were entertained by the music from the Men in Black and satiated with pleasures from the Marriott’s top chefs.

Life Time Achievement Awards were presented to two individuals for their decades of commitment to fish conservation, advancing responsible fishing practices, and billfish science.  Winners were: Rybovich Lifetime Achievement Award –  John Brownlee and winner of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Lifetime Achievement Award was Joan Vernon.

Live Auction auctioneer Pat Healey kept guests completely engaged, laughing and bidding for a great cause!  Exciting items generated lots of bids, including (1) 3 fishing trips on Viking’s 88 donated by Pat Healey, (2) a Wyland “Grand Sculpture” donated from the West Palm Beach Fishing Club, with proceeds shared, (3) an original blue marlin painting by Alfredo Valmana and (4) an exquisite multiple colored pearls necklace highlighted with a removable gold marlin with a black Tahitian pearl, (5) a Casa Vieja Key West trip and (6) a fishing trip aboard Contender 1 with Costa.

We can’t forget our Costume contest winners:

Best Costumed Group – Garmin

Best Costumed Female – Ellen Peel

Best Costumed Male – Ed Gleason

The Billfish Foundation’s Gala was a night to remember and catch up with many of you who we haven’t seen for over a year! However, it wouldn’t have been half as amazing a night without the help of our friends and sponsors. Please, whenever possible, purchase from the distinguished, conservation-minded businesses that made the Gala possible through sponsorships.

GALA SPONSORS that made the gala possible and deserve your business include:

• Bacardi
• Casa de Campo Marina
• Cape Cana
• C&L Insurance
• Costa Sunglasses
• Dekit
• Garmin Marine
• Galati Yachts
• Grady White Boats
• HMY Yachts
• Mack & Boring Parts Co
• Ocean 5
• Outrigger Yacht Products
• Recreational Fishing Alliance
• Viking Yachts
• Viking Yachts Service Center
• Willis Custom Yachts 
• Yamaha Marine Group

Mark your calendar for FRIDAY,  October 28, 2022, for next year’s party, and if you have a great idea for a theme, send it to us!

Want to stay up-to-date on all things billfish? Become a member, subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on social media, @TheBillfishFoundation.