Grant Thornton’s Surf and Turf Surpasses $1 Million Raised for Turks & Caicos Charities

Grant Thornton Turks & Caicos has announced that the 17th annual Surf and Turf charity event has surpassed a major milestone, with total funds raised since the event's inception in 2006 now exceeding $1 million. 

Held on Friday, 9 October 2026, this year's event raised $105,000, bringing cumulative fundraising to more than seven figures over the event's twenty-year history. Proceeds from Surf and Turf support the Turks & Caicos Health and Wellness Foundation (TCHWF) which built the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre, helping to strengthen health, wellness and youth development initiatives throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Since its founding in 2006, Surf and Turf has become one of the country's most enduring and successful charitable events, bringing together local businesses and residents in support of causes that make a lasting difference within the community. 

Commenting on this year's achievement, Hon. Galmo Williams, Patron of TCHWF said:

"This year we hosted another memorable event, made even more special by the incredible milestone of raising $1 million over the past 20 years in support of the TCHWF.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to the amazing Grant Thornton team and to OPUS for their ongoing partnership. I would also like to acknowledge Nick Haywood and Anansa Jervis for their dedication and leadership, and our sponsors, supporters, and volunteers for their contributions to the event's success. Special thanks go to the volunteers from the Rotaract Club of Providenciales, whose enthusiasm and hard work were invaluable.

“Reaching this extraordinary milestone would not have been possible without the collective efforts of our incredible community. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in our journey over the past two decades. Together, we have made a lasting impact, and we look forward to continuing this important work for many years to come."

 A highlight of this year's event was the running of the Dr. Euan A.D. Menzies Memorial Derby, which was won by Barely Stable, sponsored by Carlisle Supplies, in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Grant Thornton Turks & Caicos also says it wishes to recognise the many individuals and organisations whose commitment has helped establish Surf and Turf as a fixture of the Turks and Caicos charitable calendar. In particular, the firm acknowledges Nick and Sarah Haywood, whose vision and initiative led to the creation of the event in 2006 and whose continued support has remained integral to its success. The firm also recognises Mark Johnson and Larry Collmus for their outstanding commentary over the years, Tony Arata and OPUS for their longstanding hospitality, Terry Drummey and Hemingway's for their sponsorship and support, Hon. Galmo Williams, Althea Ewing-Williams, Anansa Jervis and the team at the TCHWF for their invaluable organisational assistance, and the many volunteers and contributors who have given their time and energy to the event throughout its history.

Most importantly, the organisers said such milestone reflects the unwavering support of the Turks and Caicos business community and the hundreds of attendees, sponsors and donors who have supported Surf and Turf over the past two decades. Their generosity has enabled the event to surpass $1 million in charitable contributions and create a lasting legacy of community impact. 

As Surf and Turf celebrates this landmark achievement, Grant Thornton looks forward to building on that legacy in the years ahead and continuing to support causes that strengthen the Turks and Caicos Islands.