2018 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta raises $16,860.00 for charity with Real Auto Suzuki Car raffle

Staff members of Real Auto and Rotary members on stage during the Suzuki raffle drawing © Souleyman T. Photography

Real Auto SXM sponsored a brand-new 2018 Suzuki to raffle amongst the Regatta visitors, supporting the Serious Fundraiser of the 38th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, held from March 1 – 4, 2018. Raffle tickets were sold to all Regatta visitors for $ 10 a ticket, with the big drawing taking place right before the Shaggy concert on the closing night of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. Organizers are pleased to announce a total of $ 16,860.00 was raised, with the full proceeds going towards multiple charity initiatives on the island.

Rotary Club of St. Maarten and Mid-Isle actively sold many raffle tickets during the 4 days of this international event. A Suzuki Swift, Ciaz and Baleno were on display in the Regatta Village for the week, with the raffle winner having the choice to take home one of these brand-new cars.

Half of the proceeds will go towards the fundraising partners of the 38th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta and their projects; K1 Britannia Foundation, the St. Maarten Nature Foundation, the St. Maarten Sea Rescue Foundation and the St. Maarten Yacht Club Regatta Foundation. The other half of the proceeds will partly be used to purchase a Beach Cleaner, which will help the removal of Sargasso seaweed as well as Hurricane debris, litter etc.

Rotary Club of St. Maarten's President John Caputo says: "The purchase of a Beach Cleaner has been a longtime dream for us, but we're well on our way now to make it reality. Thanks to the support of Real Auto and all those who bought a chance to win a Suzuki!".

The rest of the funds will go towards the Diabetic Foundation to fix their bus and purchase any equipment needed, like needles. Fred van der Peijl of Rotary Club Mid-Isle explains: "Diabetes has been a big issue on the island. While testing the island residents on a regular Saturday morning at the Carrefour, it sometimes turns out that 40 out of the 200 tested, need to seek urgent doctor's advice and take pills. This is really worrisome. Many people neglect the symptoms, but for the social welfare of the island it's very important that people take it seriously and that the disease keeps on being addressed and tested."

For more information on the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta visit www.heinekenregatta.com.