Local News
Xmas in July 2023 Event Organizers Donate $6,000 to Beyond the Reef
Wally Castro Marine, the organizers of the Xmas in July 2023 event, have made a generous donation of $6,000 to Beyond the Reef, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to marine environmental education and preservation. The donation was made possible through the sale of official reusable tumblers, which were part of the event’s environmental protection initiatives.
Wally Castro, owner of Wally Castro Marine and the main organizer of the event, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about beach and ocean conservation. “This initiative reflects our desire to create awareness on the importance of protecting our beaches and to send the message that our event takes beach and ocean conservation very seriously,” he stated. “With this donation, we support a local organization that reflects our environmental protection beliefs.”
During the Xmas in July event, members of Beyond the Reef were present to sell the official merchandise. Representatives from local nonprofit organizations, including the Virgin Gorda Rotary Club and Valley Sound Lions Club, also participated in the event by preparing local dishes to raise funds for their respective organizations.
Kendyl Berna, founder of Beyond the Reef, expressed gratitude for the donation, stating that it will help their organization continue to raise awareness about marine environment protection in the British Virgin Islands. “Our oceans are a precious resource, but they are also very fragile. Those who enjoy the beach and sea must do so responsibly,” Berna emphasized. She also commended the event organizers for their environmental care initiatives and encouraged them to continue implementing such efforts in the future.
The Xmas in July event, held on July 22, 2023, was a resounding success, attracting over 5,500 people and 400 vessels to Pond Bay Beach in Virgin Gorda. This edition of the event broke attendance records, making it the most successful in its history. Attendees from Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands, and other countries came together to celebrate this traditional summer event.
The event was organized by Wally Castro Marine, Marcos Rivera, and the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission. Wally Castro Marine, based in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, is a leading boat dealer representing renowned brands such as Riviera Yachts, Boston Whaler, Bertram, Regulator, Belize, Nor-Tech, and Azimut Yachts.
Xmas in July 2023 official Tumbler photos by Mar Javierto
Young people using the official tumbler photos by Mar Javierto