The Billfish Foundation’s (TBF) annual fundraiser took on a whole new dimension this year, with a Wild West theme that transported guests into a world of outlaws, cowboys, and frontier elegance. Held at the stunning Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa on Friday, November 1st, the evening was an unforgettable journey back in time to a rugged yet charming western frontier, and all for a good cause!

From the moment you walked through the doors, the Western spirit was alive and well, thanks mostly in part to everyone’s incredible costumes! The air buzzed with excitement as attendees donned their best cowboy hats, boots, and fringe jackets. There was even a lone, inflatable billfish that could be spotted weeding through the crowds. That lone billfish, donned by Dan Hughes, would rightfully go on to win the coveted TBF Costume Contest. Well deserved, Dan!

Once the doors to the main hall opened though, that’s when the guests truly felt the magic of the evening. From western-style décor to an old-timey saloon bar, the banquet room was a vision of western charm and wooden accents, supplemented by an array of wildflowers that created the perfect atmosphere. Over 200 guests filled the space, all there to enjoy a memorable night while supporting The Billfish Foundation’s mission of billfish conservation.

All the western decor in the world wouldn’t be much without the billfish community there to enjoy it. The biggest of thank yous goes out to everyone who attended and supported TBF’s cause. Without your continued generosity, events like this simply would not exist and we at TBF are forever grateful to the sportfishing community. And, of course, our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s lifetime achievement award winners, Captain “Chip” Shafer (John Rybovich Lifetime Achievement Award) and Sam Peters (Winthrop P. Rockefeller Lifetime Achievement Award). Their dedication to the conservation of billfish and sportfishing has made a lasting impact on the TBF community. A special round of applause goes to Pat Healey of Viking Yachts, who once again brought his signature flair to the evening as our auctioneer, keeping the bids rolling in while bringing the Wild West charm with every word. 

Each year, this event takes a village. From dedicated staff, volunteers, and consultants, everyone works tirelessly for months to bring this event to life. Yet, it’s the unwavering energy and enthusiasm of our community that truly makes this event stand out. While we can all start looking forward to next year’s event, we can look back on this year’s events with proud eyes, knowing that with every event, we’re one step closer to ensuring a future for billfish and marine conservation.

Thank you to everyone who made this night so special, and we can’t wait to see you next year!