The Aquidneck Land Trust’s legendary annual fundraiser, Fiesta Verde, is set for July 22, 2006 at Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island, and is co- chaired by Alison Vareika and Daniela Frater.

Richard Carbotti of Perfect Soundings has cleverly chosen the Treasured Island theme to celebrate Aquidneck Island’s natural beauty by accentuating nature’s precious gems. Fiesta Verde: Treasured Island will transport patrons to four jeweled lounge paradises including the Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond and Emerald tents.

The event's Jade corporate sponsor is William Vareika Fine Arts, Ltd. and Lapis Lazuli corporate sponsors include Edwards, Angell, Palmer & Dodge, The Hilton Group at Smith Barney, and Gustave White: Sotheby’s International Real Estate. Additionally, valuable support is being provided by Cort Furnishings, Perfect Surroundings, The Pour People, Blackstone Caterers, Newport Tent Company, East Coast Lighting & Production and Excelebrations.

Sponsored by Angela Moore, the VIP Pre-Party is for patrons donating $2,500 or more and will be held in Fort Adams’ restored casements with an intimate preview of jewelry to be auctioned that evening.

Cory Plumb Jewelry, Grenon’s of Newport, Dorfman Jewelers, Seaman Schepps, Jessica Hagen Fine Art & Design, Tyler Arment Designs, The Platinum House, Esposito Jewelry and Swarovski have contributed important pieces to the silent auction. Continuing a long-standing tradition and friendship with Aquidneck Island’s premier artists, the silent auction will also feature impressive artwork donated to help save the Island’s remaining treasured places.

New for 2006, Fiesta Verde: Treasured Island features a Raffle ($50.00 per chance) of prizes contributed by local companies valued at $5,000 each including a one-week stay at a St. Bart’s private villa donated by WIMCO Villas and a Jade and Diamond pendant set in a platinum bail donated by Three Golden Apples.

Fiesta Verde patrons will be entertained by the Island Boys Steelpan Calypso Band, having some of the best musicians in the Soca Reggae and Calypso world, while savoring Blackstone Caterers’ haute Island cuisine and sipping specialty jewel-toned cocktails by The Pour People. Attire is festive emerald or anything that sparkles. Raffle coupons and event reservations are now available by visiting www.ailt.org or by calling Megan Andersen at 401- 849-2779 x 19. If you have already made your reservation, please notify us of your guest(s) names. NO TICKETS WILL BE MAILED.Raffle coupons will also be available at the event, however patrons need not be present to win.

Conservation Cannot Wait On Aquidneck Island!

Aquidneck Island is being consumed at an alarming rate by development. Long- term implications include traffic, a degraded environment, diminished charm and scenic attributes, and water quality. In 2005, the Land Trust conserved 184 acres in what was heralded as a banner year, yet over 230 acres were consumed by development in the same year!