AMERICAN FRIENDS OF JAMAICA RAISES RECORD-BREAKING FUNDS
WITH HONORED GUESTS INCLUDING GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING RECORDING
ARTIST SHAGGY AND JAMAICAN PRIME MINISTER ANDREW HOLNESS AT
THE ANNUAL HUMMINGBIRD GALA
Star-studded Gala Benefiting Jamaican Charities honors
Philanthropist and Digicel Chairman Denis O’Brien in New
York City at their 30th Annual Hummingbird Gala
NEW YORK, NY (November 21, 2011)
– The
American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) honored Grammy
Award-winning recording artist Shaggy at the 30th
Annual Hummingbird Gala in New York on Thursday, November
17, 2011. The 30th Annual Hummingbird Gala was
held at Capitale, a classic downtown Manhattan venue that
set the tone for an elegant evening of dinner and dancing.
After walking the red carpet, attendees were treated to a
decadent outdoor spread featuring Bacardi cocktails. AFJ
board members, Jamaican dignitaries and corporate sponsors
mingled with Shaggy, who posed with party-goers throughout
the night for snapshots.
Former Miss Jamaica Universe and current Bloomberg
journalist, Zahra Burton, led the crowd to stand for both
the Jamaican and national anthem after guests were ushered
in the main dining room. American Friends of Jamaica was
honored to have the new Jamaican prime minister in
attendance and share his support of our organization. Guests
were able to learn about how the funds raised are used and
listened to video greetings from both Former President Bill
Clinton and the honorable HRH Prince Charles.
The Hummingbird Gala doubled the funds raised at last year’s
gala, significant funds for Jamaican Charities that support
education, healthcare and economic development iniatives on
the island. In addition to ticket sales, funds were raised
from a highly anticipated silent auction featuring
generously donated items.
To date, the AFJ has presented grants to over 65 worthy
entities. The AFJ demonstrates the power of collaboration
and support to help engage people from underserved
communities. “As a group, we are committed to help Jamaicans
in need with tools and opportunities to help them improve
their conditions and realize their fullest potential,” said
AFJ Executive Director Caron S. Chung.
The dinner ended with honoree Denis O'Brien's acceptance
speech. Honoree Denis O’Brien said, “May I congratulate the
American Friends of Jamaica on the focus and dedication that
they have given to improving the lives of all Jamaicans -
particularly, in the areas of education and healthcare,
human and of course economic development. The beneficiaries
of the AFJ’s work speak in glowing terms of the way that you
have completely strengthened the charitable sector in
Jamaica.”
The evening continued with dancing and a spirited
performance from The
Third World. Shaggy joined Third World on stage for an
encore performance of “Reggae Party”. The crowd was
intimate and fun. At one point the entire dance floor
created a train! There was plenty of laughter and new
friends made!
The 30th annual Hummingbird Gala was sponsored by
Ralph Lauren, Bacardi, The Cobb Family Foundation, Mutual of
America, The American Ireland Fund and The Ireland Chamber
of Commerce USA.
About American Friends of Jamaica, Inc.
Founded in 1982, the American Friends of Jamaica is a
charitable 501(c)(3) organization built on the principles of
service and philanthropy; and is established to render
assistance in the areas of Education, Healthcare, and
Economic Development. The AFJ works with a broad coalition
of Jamaican organizations and stakeholders to bring about
change in the lives of Jamaicans in need. Amongst other
initiatives, our partners assist us to provide shelter to
the homeless, or to send inner-city youth to camps where
they learn life skills. For more information, visit
www.theafj.org.