By Tynia Brown
Journal Staff Writer

The Baha Mar Resort Foundation has reinforced its commitment to community development
with more than $300,000 in charitable donations, following the success of its Annual Golf
Invitational, held on June 14.
Led by Senior Vice President of Baha Mar, Robert “Sandy” Sands, the foundation highlighted its
dedication to supporting a wide cross-section of Bahamian society. Sands noted that the initiative is
backed by Baha Mar President Graeeme Davis and the entire team of associates, who share a deep
commitment to giving back.
“This morning is a tangible demonstration of that giving,” Sands said during the presentation.
While this donation event marked a significant milestone, Sands emphasized that it is part of an ongoing
effort. The foundation provides support year-round, with additional initiatives planned for the weeks
ahead.
He also hinted at future expansion, noting that the popular Golf Invitational could potentially become a
biannual event, depending on sponsor participation. According to Sands, the tournament is not only a fun
and effective way to raise funds, but it also “gives back to a deserving community.”
The selection of this round’s beneficiaries was based on real community needs. The Foundation focuses
on youth development, women’s support services, food assistance, conservation efforts like the Bahamas
National Park, and animal welfare areas often underserved or receiving minimal public funding.
“There are many organizations that receive only a small stipend from social services,” Sands
noted. “We try to focus on the areas where the need is greatest.”
Baha Mar’s ability to give is also a reflection of its business health. While current occupancy rates are
slightly behind projections compared to last year, Sands said the resort remains encouraged by overall
performance, especially heading into the final quarter of 2025.
When asked about possible impacts from global uncertainty, Sands remained optimistic.
“Let us not be naysayers,” he said. “It’s still early in the year, and our future bookings look very
promising.”
He acknowledged that some donation stories stand out more than others, particularly those involving
children and families in crisis.
“They are our future. They need the greatest support within our community,” he said.
Sands closed by reaffirming Baha Mar’s commitment to not just its guests and employees, but to the
broader Bahamian public.

“We are a sensitive company. We care about the people who work for us, our guests, and the wider
community.”
Recipients and Donations
The first round of disbursements from the Foundation totaled more than $300,000, allocated as follows:
● Royal Bahamas Police Force Sports, Welfare & Scholarship Fund – $30,000
● Bahamas National Trust – $30,000
● Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled – $25,000
● BAARK (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness) – $25,000
● Bahamas Humane Society – $25,000
● Bahamas Council for Alcoholism – $25,000
● The Salvation Army – $25,000
● Bahamas Red Cross – $25,000
● Hands for Hunger – $25,000
● Bahamas Down Syndrome Association – $20,000
● REACH Bahamas – $20,000
● The Nassau Chapter of The Links, Inc. – $20,000
● Bahamas Golf Federation Youth Program – $15,000
● Bahamas Aquatics Federation – $15,000
● Christ the King Church – $15,000
● St. Agnes Church – $15,000
Sands confirmed that an additional $400,000 to $500,000 in charitable contributions is expected to be
distributed in the coming weeks, as part of the Foundation’s second phase of giving for 2025.
“The community can expect even more in the near future,” he said.