ALBERT
MONSIGNOR RICHARD Albert is among this year's honourees of the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) Inc., which will hold its annual gala dinner on June 25 at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, South Florida.
Monsignor Albert is an American Catholic priest who has become internationally known for his work among Jamaica's poor. Another honouree will be Royal Caribbean Cruises.
"The purpose is to add charity dollars to the nearly US$11 million we have raised for Jamaican non-profits charities since 1982," says Glen Holden, AFJ's President and retired American Ambas-sador to Jamaica .
AFJ galas are known for honouring outstanding individuals and organisations for their support for Jamaica. Previous gala honourees include Ralph and Ricky Lauren, Jamaican-born billionaire and philanthropist Michael Lee Chin, and other notables.
A JAMAICAN MIX
Colin Channer - prize-winning author and founder of the Calabash Literary Festival - will host the event. Guests will rub shoulders with Jamaican and American officials, top businesspeople, and figures from the worlds of finance, tourism and the arts. A substantial contingent of prominent Jamaicans is expected to attend.
The evening's activities will include a pre-reception, a silent auction featuring items ranging from artwork by Romero Britto to exotic Jamaican getaways. Guests will enjoy the world-class cuisine of the Biltmore and cap the evening with music by the celebrated band, The Mighty Vikings.
Actively involved in the effort is Kimare Dyer, an attorney with DelancyHill, P.A, who notes: "The strong support we are getting is changing the fund-raising landscape here for Jamaica. This is a chance to support Jamaica, meet people who are active in Jamaican affairs, and have an elegant evening all at the same time."
STELLAR SUPPORT
The event has received stellar corporate support from companies like Platinum Sponsors South Miami Hospital and Deutsche Bank Alex Brown's Caribbean Group. Wayne Brackin, South Miami's CEO, says, "The AFJ supports the health sector in Jamaica as well as education, community development, disaster relief and the environment. We are delighted to assist as the organisation makes its South Florida debut."
