(Left-to-Right) FORMER HEAVY WEIGHT CHAMPION LENNOX LEWIS, AFJ PRESIDENT AMB. GLEN A. HOLDEN, RET. AND KAMAL HOTCHANDANI GET ACQUAINTED.

Florida, April 2006 - The American Friends of Jamaica, Inc. (AFJ) kicked off its'second annual South Florida Black Tie Gala and Auction on Saturday April 1, 2006 with a night that can only be described as a knock out!

South Florida's Jamaican community came out in numbers in support of this annual event, which supports a host of Jamaican charities.

Auction contributors such as Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Air Jamaica, Half Moon, The Shore Club and Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa represented just a few of the world renowned hotel properties, artists and benefactors who donated an array of exquisite items. Enthusiastic co-hosts Neki Mohan (WPLG) and Marlon Hill (DelancyHill) inspired the crowd to bid actively, resulting in almost doubling funds raised last year.

The some 300 guests that packed the Biltmore Hotel's ballroom included International Humanitarian Award Recipient the Hon. Oliver F. Clarke, O.J; J.P., Chairman and Managing Director, The Gleaner Company Limited; William Bullard, Corporate Relations Director, Latin America and Randy Millian, Managing Director Latin America & Caribbean, representing corporate honoree Diageo, AFJ President Amb. Glen Holden, (ret.), Consul General of Jamaica Ricardo Allicock, 2005 honoree Monsignor Richard Albert, AFJ Directors and various other influential members of the Jamaican South Florida community.

Deutsche Bank Alex. Brown returned this year as Platinum sponsor joined by Gold sponsor Baptist-South Miami Hospital and Bronze sponsors RealChoice Realty and Senvia Money Services.

A Solid Commitment to Those in Need
Since its' inception, the American Friends of Jamaica has raised over $10 million for Jamaica non-profits focused in the areas of education, healthcare and economic development. In April 2005, the AFJ presented grants to 17 Jamaican organizations! In addition to fundraising through special events such as the gala, the AFJ has a comprehensive strategy involving individual giving and partnerships with corporations and foundations such as the Tiger Woods Foundation, Jockey International, GraceKennedy Limited and Western Union International.

For more information on the AFJ and participation for next year, please visit our website at www.theAFJ.org