The Bermuda National Gallery?s ArtReach programme has received a welcome $25,000 boost from the Tucker?s Point Club.

The fund were raised at a Jazz and Champagne Tasting Dinner and auction last weekend conducted by James Rylands of BBC TV?s ?Antique Roadshow? and a director of Sotheby?s, London.

More than 100 guests attended the gala black tie event that included entertainment by the James Richardson trio featuring the Bermuda National Gallery?s development director Gita Blakeney-Saltus, and a tasting commentary by sommelier Elis Frazzoni, of Goslings.

Some of the items that were auctioned off by Mr. Rylands included an original painting by Bermudian artist Sheilagh Head, sculptures by Shona Master, work from fine artist Elliott Kaombera of Zimbabwe, a behind-the-scenes tour of Christie?s in New York and a six-night stay at the Residence Club at Tucker?s Point including dinner for eight prepared by award-winning chef Serge Botelli.

The net proceeds from the event were donated directly to ArtReach, a Bermuda National Gallery (BNG) initiative that encompasses education, students and artwork.

The programme is a comprehensive year-round curriculum with a focus on students aged nine to 11, which uses the BNG?s exhibitions as a major resource for learning.

ArtReach enables visual art from around the world to be integrated into each school?s curriculum, thus reaching thousands of children in a meaningful way.

BNG director Laura Gorham said that they were absolutely delighted with the success of this event.

?It was a fabulous evening and we sincerely wish to thank the management and staff of the Tucker?s Point Club for hosting it and supporting this worthwhile cause,? she said.

?ArtReach is a vital component of our education programme at the BNG through which the Island?s students are exposed to the visual arts both here in Bermuda and from a global and historical perspective.?