fp Turks and Caicos

The beach in front of Bay Bistro was transformed into a breezy oceanfront dining extravaganza Nov. 11 when the Turks and Caicos Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals held a fundraising dinner and silent auction.

As the ocean lapped on the beach, supporters dined under the tents. It was magic and a lot of fun.

A sell-out success, the event raised more than $8,000 to help all the animals of the TCI. The dinner provided residents and visitors with a fabulous venue, gorgeous food and a roaring bonfire to help light up their generous support.

Director Susan Blehr was delighted with the turnout and apologetic that people had to be turned away. The event, originally scheduled for the previous Friday — the night that Tropical Storm Tomas brushed by — was cool and breezy, perfect for the outdoor, under-the-tent event.

Thirteen items posted for the silent auction garnered more than $5,000. Donated weekends at Parrot Cay, the Somerset, the Sands; dinners at Bay Bistro, Grill Rouge, Amanyara, Gansevoort and the Veranda; a sail aboard well-known local trimaran Minx; a snorkel beach BBQ boat trip with Caicos Dream Tours; and even 50 pounds of locally grown tomatoes donated by Island Fresh Produce Ltd. were auctioned during the evening. A multitude of door prizes, all donated by local businesses, added to the excitement of the evening.

Chef Clive Whent’s $40-per-person menu was a masterpiece. Starters, served by smiling staff, included shrimp wrapped in bacon, pork spring rolls and conch fritters. Grilled mahi mahi, BBQ chicken, burgers and pulled pork or ribs were the awesome main courses.

And there was more — marinated tomatoes, potato and Caesar salads. But the desserts stole the show — key lime pie or Kissing Fish’s awesome chocolate torte. Both were divine.

Of course there was live music, provided by popular local band Press Gang, aka Bow and Arrow.

The TCSPCA is deeply grateful to Kissing Fish Catering for their continued, generous support, which included 10 percent of the take at the cash bar. Blehr expressed her deep appreciation to all those who donated prizes and packages for the event and praised her “wonderful staff of volunteers” who helped make the evening possible.

The TCSPCA is not for profit organization, funded solely by the generosity of the people of the TCI and many visitors who donate time and funds. The organization recently celebrated the 1,000th surgery at their extremely affordable spay/neuter clinic at Suzy Turn Plaza.

TCSPCA encourages anyone who wishes to donate time, funds or expertise to contact the offices at 941-8846 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .