The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute?s (BUEI) celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the making of the film, ?The Deep?, in Bermuda is also a major fund-raiser to launch its $5 million Education Endowment campaign.

Based on the Institute?s philosophy that ?children are the explorers of the future?, BUEI has in place a variety of education programmes led by Crystal Shultz and designed to ?spark imaginations, challenge mind, and provide opportunities to access the wonders of the ocean through interactive learning experiences, workshops and tours?.

To that end, the endowment ?will support the enhancement of BUEI?s current educational programmes, and aid in the development of future multi-dimensional educational programmes?, according to acting consultant Wendy Tucker.

?We are positive that the success of our education initiatives will generate an increased and pervasive sense of awareness of the importance of the ocean to our lives, and why we must protect this important source,? she said.

Part of the fund-raising festivities, which take place at the Institute on Saturday, is a silent auction featuring many unique and valuable items.

Among them are a dive experience on the wreck which inspired Peter Benchley?s novel, ?The Deep?, accompanied by Mr. Benchley and Teddy Tucker.

There will also be an original painting by Christian Husband of a vessel known as ?the Frenchman?, which was wrecked in Bermuda waters in the 1760s; a cedar, diamond and gold pin/pendant; and a gold and precious stones pendant in the shape of Percy, the moray eel featured in ?The Deep?.

There will be other items and special prizes also. Bids can be made in advance by e-mail to: infobuei.org and the items can be seen on BUEI?s website: www.bueiorg.

E-mail bidders must provide their full name, contact information and bid amount. Such bids will be followed by a telephone call to confirm their authenticity, which represents the bidder?s commitment to purchase the lot.

Deadline for e-mail bids is 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 5. For further information contact Clifton Webb at BUEI.