Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

From left, fashion model, Dina Balint gets the attention of reknowned actor, Richard 'Mr. Shaft' Roundtree and National Football League former line and short-yardage runner, Marcus Allen during the Caribbean Classic Golf Invitational cocktail reception at the Rose Hall Great House, on Thursday night.

WESTERN BUREAU:

COMEDIAN STEVE Harvey was no 'King of Comedy' feigning illness and refusing to be photographed. Richard 'Shaft' Roundtree lit his gigantic cigar and flirted with five young 'brownings', while former National Football League's Chiefs player, Marcus Allen, worked the floor.

But, the stars who shone the brightest at the Caribbean Classic Golf Invitational Cocktail, (CCGI) reception, on Thursday night were the immensely talented and vibrant youngsters of the Success Primary School, in St. James, who danced the night away at the Rose Hall Great House, in St. James .

And, the most popular stop at this reception was the exotic fruit and vegetable station manned by Ritz-Carlton's beverage specialist, Nigel McIntosh, and his sidekick, David Cross. The two concocted an array of excitingly presented fruit drinks served in carved pineapples and coconuts.

The ice-breaker, which started as early as 6:30 p.m., was energised two hours later by the fun, frolic and colourful costumes of the dance group, and could have easily remained frozen when the skies opened and officially welcomed the large contingent of celebrities and their guests.

SHOWERS OF BLESSING

However, these were showers of blessings from the island to a group that came purely for their philanthropic efforts, thrown in with good measures of a game or two of golf, set to be climaxed by the sailing of Freddie McGregor's Big Ship which was expected to take them on a musical voyage last night Saturday at the benefit gala.

The rains changed the venue a little, but charged the atmosphere with electricity as all were forced to gather beneath the large 50-square-foot tent provided.

The entertainment was also moved to the tent where the Success Primary students created waves with the movements to Reggae cultural artiste Que Que's Poverty. Their act, though hard to, was followed by a scintillating snake dancer who showed his prowess with a large Jamaican boa.

With all the excitement that surrounded the evening, the event's chair, Richard Stephenson, didn't miss a note, reminding attendees why they were there. "Our goal is to put computer learning systems in the 400 primary schools in Jamaica."

"CCGI is committed to enhancing the competitiveness of the children of Jamaica in the global community," he added.

The event attracted celebrities such as, Scary Movie 3 and Barbershop star, Anthony Anderson, who has appeared in over 20 films; Jamaica's own, Jeffrey Anderson Gunter; actor Boris Kodjoe; singing sensation, Sandra Denton of Salt and Pepa; gold medal Olympian, Ed Moses, and former Miss Jamaica (World) Terri-Karelle Griffith.