All you gotta do is "dig it''! That's the word from organisers of Keep Bermuda Beautiful's Night of 1000 Delights, scheduled for September 25 at a secret location.

What organisers claim is the largest fund-raiser in the organisation's history promises to be a sparkling affair, thanks to the generosity of local merchants who have donated a collection of fine jewellery for treasure hunters to discover.

"It'll definitely be a cut-throat hunt,'' KBB president Ms Kendaree Burgess-Fairn promised. "There's real silver, gold, diamonds to be found...'' Like the pirates of old, KBB's treasure hunters will need plenty of savvy as well as agility to track down the buried booty.

"Of course, if you are mentally agile, maybe you can solve the clues faster than anyone else and won't need to run...'' she hinted.

Nonetheless, all treasure hunters are advised to wear sneakers.

"And they may want to bone up on their running skills,'' Ms Burgess-Fairn hinted.

A year in the planning, the Night of 1000 Delights will have an Eastern (Middle and Far Eastern, that is) "flavour'', and offer a wide variety exotic experiences.

Or, as the official invitation puts it: "It's time to sheik, rattle and roll.

Leave your oasis and go places.'' The Governor, Lord Waddington, is expected to launch the event at 5 p.m. on a Hamilton dock, following which treasure hunters will board a vessel with the Bermuda Regiment Band playing aboard.

On hand to greet them at their mystery island destination will be a variety of entertainers, including belly dancers.

A glimpse of the treasures and rules of the hunt will be given before prospectors set off.

"The hunt will happen first, and we will allow 90 minutes for it,'' Ms Burgess-Fairn explained. "Because the sun sets quite early, we are very limited in the time available.

"Of course, we want all the prizes to be found so the clues will be just difficult enough to require some brain power, but you won't have to be an Einstein'' the KBB president said.

Then it will be the turn of participating hotel and restaurant chefs to provide some treasures of their own.

"They will set up separate booths offering a variety of foods geared towards the eastern theme of our evening,'' Ms Burgess-Fairn said.

"And of course there will be a variety of exotic beverages to wet the whiskers,'' advertising chairperson Ms Pamela Wimbush noted.

Treasure of another sort will be the presence of actress Victoria Rowell, who plays Drusilla in The Young and the Restless.

"She will be our mistress of ceremonies and perform various functions for us,'' Ms Wimbush said.

A band for dancing will round out the night, and from 9 p.m. onwards a boat service back to Hamilton will be available.

In case you're wondering what treasure hunters wear on occasions like this, the invitation spells it out: "Casbah Cool'' for men and "Harem Chic'' for women.

Still mystified? Then read on! The invitation states: "What's Hot'' for men are flowing robes, man tan, hairy chests, Ray-Bans and oil wells. "What's Not: Lycra shorts, office pallor, string vests, bifocals and water tanks.'' For women, chiffon veils, jewelled navels, harem pants, exotic allure and Shalimar are "hot'', while pony tails, nose rings, ski pants, natural beauty and Giorgio are not.

"But you don't necessarily have to dress up, but it would add to the fun,'' the president explained. "We want it to be an enjoyable and lively night, whereby all kinds of people come out and enjoy themselves.'' In addition to increasing public awareness of its existence, Keep Bermuda Beautiful will use the funds to underwrite future plans.

"We are going to be using a lot of the money towards environmental education -- training the public about the need to recycle, re-use and reduce, as well as the effects of pollution on our environment,'' Ms Burgess-Fairn explained.

A registered charity, Keep Bermuda Beautiful has spent most of its 29 years zeroing in on the Island's litter problem. Now it wants to expand its focus to embrace such environmental issues as the air, the sea and recycling.

"The treasure hunt is another step in KBB's ongoing quest to be pro-active.

We are actively going out and seeking funds, in exchange for giving something tangible and enjoyable,'' the president said. "We want the public to see who is behind the scenes at KBB. There are lots of us out there.'' Indeed, with one exception, the organisation is made up of volunteers, and many more are required.

"We are always looking for volunteers because the work of KBB is constantly growing,'' Ms Burgess-Fairn said. "They are called upon to do a wide variety of tasks -- everything from licking and sticking envelopes to running errands and sitting on committees. It doesn't matter how much time a person can spare -- an hour, a day per month, it all helps.

"Besides, there are a lot of benefits to being a member: You get to attend fabulous parties, sometimes you get to meet celebrities, and you definitely get a special feeling that comes from knowing you're doing something good.'' The thriving KBB Youth Wing has contributed significantly to recent brain-storming sessions designed to make the organisation more vital, and its members are described by the president as "really keen''.

Tickets for the Night of 1000 Delights are $75, and can be obtained from the KBB office at No. 9 Bermuda House Lane, Hamilton, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

weekdays. For information telephone 295-5142.

ALL THAT GLITTERS -- Keep Bermuda Beautiful officials, from left, Mrs. Desiree Patton, fundraiser chairman; Ms Kendaree Burgess-Fairn, president; Ms Pamela Wimbush, advertising chairman; and Mr. Peter Crisson admire some of the donated jewellery lucky treasure hunters will get to keep at the Night of 1000 Delights in September.

HERE FOR THE NIGHT -- Young and the Restless actress Victoria Rowell will add glamour to a glittering affair.