Written by: TFVstaff • January 2, 2019• In the Community

Conservation Activist and Philanthropist Ron Bergeron Honored

Conservation activist and philanthropist “Alligator” Ron Bergeron was honored during the 10th Anniversary Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Banquet to benefit ocean conservation.

Bergeron was recognized for his ardent support in protecting the Everglades and our natural environment. The Horatio Alger Award recipient and Davie native oversees an empire of more than 60 successful companies, and his dedication to conserve all creatures extends to both the two- and four-legged kind. His love of Florida wildlife and understanding of their needs to be protected motivates him to budget half of his time to Everglades conservation.

“I am very honored and humbled by this very meaningful recognition,” said Bergeron, who has been appointed by two governors as a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioner. In fact, he was the former Point Commissioner over the entire Florida Everglades.

“Guy Harvey is known worldwide for his marine conservation efforts, as he understands the integral balance between our waterways – from sawgrass to seagrass. Restoring the natural flow of the Everglades is the first step to long-term viability of both ecosystems,” said Bergeron. Bergeron is also founder of the Bergeron Everglades Museum and Wildlife Foundation. He was honored as one of the four finalists for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation “2011 Conservationist of the Year.”

“I have spent most of my life trying to save the Florida Everglades and will continue working with both the Bergeron Everglades Foundation and Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation to preserve this natural wonder of the world for future generations. You can’t save the ocean without saving the Everglades first,” Bergeron said. “More than eight million people rely on the Everglades for their drinking water, therefore it is a natural resource worth saving and restoring back to health. When we do that, we can also save Florida Bay and the Ocean which need clean water to thrive.”

Hosted by world-renowned artist, scientist, conservationist and entrepreneur Dr. Guy Harvey, the banquet raised funds for the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation which conducts scientific research and hosts educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment. The Foundation also funds affiliated researchers working to better understand our ocean ecosystem and educators helping to foster the next era of marine conservationists.

“It was only fitting that we honor Alligator Ron this year. He is a transformational icon in our community, taking the lead on conservation issues,” said Dr. Harvey. “We cannot thank him enough for all that he has done for our environment. His passion, leadership and dedication is unparalleled and will help ensure that our natural resources will be here for many years to come.”

During the banquet, guests enjoyed dinner, open bar, live musical entertainment, and a live and silent auction with original Guy Harvey artwork, exciting trips, including an NCL cruise, fishing trips with Dr. Harvey, ocean excursions, gift baskets, jewelry and unique gifts. A video chronicled the year in review highlighting various adventure expeditions and research findings from 2018.

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