On January 16, 2020, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) held its 19th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner Gala. At this annual premier event, community groups, major businesses, government and non-governmental agencies, individuals, and elected and traditional leaders came together and raised over $250,000 to support the Center’s research, outreach, and education efforts. Over 250 guests attended the fundraising gala dinner held on PICRC’s grounds.
This year’s anniversary gala dinner was co-hosted by President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. and his cabinet. As co-host, President Remengesau, together with his Ministers and their partners, donated a total of $130,000 to PICRC’s 19th Anniversary. This is the biggest donation ever received by the Center in its 19-year history.
The highlight of the evening was the awarding of the Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. Environmental Award to Ann Singeo, for her significant contributions to conservation efforts in Palau.
President Remengesau emphasized in his host remarks the value that research and science have in the support of policy and conservation measures. He pointed out that what Palau is doing with the Protected Areas Network and with the PNMS is based on Palau’s tradition of conservation. President Remengesau’s remarks reflected the theme of the evening, “Reaching New Frontiers, Anchored in Tradition”.