Claudine Housen/Staff Photographer
Obviously people who know how to mix it up, these women mixed, mingled and networked at the sixth annual Pineapple Ball, in Montego Bay, last weekend. They are from left: Livingston Alexander and Levy's lawyer, Anne Marie Feanny; Merril Lynch's international financial advisor, Enith M. Williams, and Angella Foyler, also of Livingston Alexander and Levy.

Claudine Housen, Staff Reporter

WESTERN BUREAU:

An evening of fine food, fine wine and good entertainment, the sixth annual Pineapple Ball lived up to expectations.

A charity event, which is geared towards educational development across the island, the Pineapple Ball was established by The Jamaica Committee, a United States not-for-profit organisation comprising Jamaicans and lovers of Jamaica, in 2000. After being staged twice in the United States, the ball was moved to Jamaica, in 2002, where it has gained recognition as a 'must-do' calendar event.

With almost twice last year's sponsors and more than 33 per cent increase over last year's 300 patrons, the Pineapple Ball was so big it was almost bursting at the seams, so much so, that the 6:30 cocktails and silent auction bidding had to be moved to the Ritz-Carlton balcony and hallway, respectively.

Prayers requested

Mixing, mingling and networking aside, the guests were welcomed into the beautifully decorated ballroom, where prayers were requested for the family of Jamaica Committee director, Moyra Fitzroy, who lost her husband recently.

"His kindness, friendship, thoughtfulness, love, abilities and dedication were all a big deal and we will all miss those qualities," said Jamaica Committee director, Jacky Shepherd. "(But) enough of that, can we raise our glasses please to Andy? Here's to Andy for being the ultimate, the schnapps to you."

The toast was followed by grace said by Westward High School Pineapple Ball scholarship award winner, Abigail Russell. An acknowledgement of sponsors followed, the celebration of the first scholarship-aided university graduate, the launch of the Jamaica Committee Award for Excellence as well as a new scholarship to the Culinary Institute of America. Guests were treated to the evening corn and crab bisque courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton.

Appetites satisfied, the smooth sounds of A.J. Brown filled the room. Songs, such as Andrew Boccoli's Time to Say Goodbye had guests swaying. He was followed by the Bare Essential Band, which upped the tempo with Who Let the Dogs Out, Moving to The Left and Get Something and Wave.

Reflecting on the night's success, Mrs. Fitzroy, who still looked a little awe-struck at the size of the turnout, thanked all the guests and sponsors and noted her pleasure that the corporate society has come on-board to aid in the development of the nation.

"We printed 400 tickets and at the gates we were still selling, so I am thinking just off-the-cuff, about 430 people which would be 100 more than last year," she said.

If Mrs. Fitzroy's early projections were even marginally correct, this year's ball would have made approximately US$60,000 (J$3,900,000) from ticket sales alone.