Remarkable Ocean Conservation and Education Stewards Honored During Guy Harvey Foundation’s 17th Annual Gala

The 17th Annual Guy Harvey Foundation’s (GHF) “Love the Blue” Gala celebrated outstanding leaders and recent advances in marine science research, education and ocean conservation while raising funds for the GHF which develops and hosts cutting-edge educational programs that help educators to foster the next generation of marine conservationists, collaborates with local, national and international organizations to conduct scientific research and provides funding to affiliated researchers who share this objective.

The evening at the Lauderdale Yacht Club kicked off with a cocktail reception where guests had the chance to mingle, meet and take photos with world-renowned artist, conservationist and GHF Founder and Chair Emeritus Dr. Guy Harvey and bid during the silent auction. During dinner, GHF CEO Jessica Harvey updated the audience on the Foundation’s transformative educational programs and initiatives and introduced an exciting new trailer for the upcoming Guy Harvey documentary to be released in 2026. A dynamic live auction featured original Guy Harvey artwork, one-of-a-kind exclusive trips and unique gift items.

The Foundation also recognized two individuals for their significant contributions to advance ocean conservation and education:

Frazier Nivens, founder and President/CEO of Ocean Imaging Productions and National Academy of Television and Arts and Sciences multiple Emmy Award winning underwater cinematographer, was the recipient of this year’s Guy Harvey Conservation Award. Internationally recognized as one of the top underwater cinematographers for more than 35 years, Nivens’ work has been featured on Discovery Shark Week, National Geographic Channels, Animal Planet, Disney, all major media networks in the United States, and beyond.

This year’s Guy Harvey Education Award was presented to Ximena Vergara. A graphic designer by training, Vergara began her career as an educator nine years ago, teaching graphic design at a technical college. Her love for STEM and a strong desire to cultivate environmental stewardship and curiosity in young minds quickly led Vergara to become certified in K-12 computer science education and to teach at Wards Creek Elementary School, where she also coaches the school’s Warriors robotics team. Vergara was one of the first educators to attend the Guy Harvey Conservation Education Program when it was launched in the spring of 2024 and her training on mangroves became instrumental in guiding her Warriors team in last year’s robotics competition as their innovation project earned first place at both regional and state levels.

"Like many other individuals and organizations that we have honored before, our 2025 award recipients are true champions of conservation and education who work tirelessly to protect marine ecosystems and enrich our understanding of the world’s oceans,” said Jessica Harvey. “We truly appreciate their efforts and dedication to our common mission. I would also like to thank all our supporters and partners for their help in advancing and expanding our education and research initiatives within and outside the field.”

Another highlight of the evening’s program was a presentation that paid homage to the 50th anniversary of the iconic movie, Jaws, by renowned marine and environmental conservation advocate Wendy Benchley, wife of late author Peter Benchley who wrote the novel that was then adapted to film. Benchley’s presentation included intimate anecdotes from her visits to the movie set during filming, as well as other insights and experiences in continuing her husband’s legacy of ocean stewardship.

The Guy Harvey Foundation’s 2025 “Love the Blue” Gala was supported by Presenting Sponsor Norwegian Cruise Line; Blue Marlin Sponsor Rick Case Automotive Group; Sailfish Sponsor Florida Crystals; Signature Drink Sponsor Resolve Marine; Dessert Sponsor Makers Air; Valet Sponsor CohnReznick; and Photo Booth Sponsor Panza Maurer

For more information on the Guy Harvey Foundation’s educational, research and conservation initiatives, or to get involved, visit www.GuyHarveyFoundation.org. Follow the Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @GuyHarveyOcean.