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| Press - AFJ In the News |
| THE
AMERICAN FRIENDS OF JAMAICA ANNOUNCES 2nd ANNUAL SOUTH FLORIDA
BLACK TIE GALA AND AUCTION TO OCCUR AT THE BILTMORE HOTEL ON
APRIL 1, 2006 |
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As the American Friends of Jamaica Inc. (AFJ) enters its' 25th
year of philanthropy for the benefit of Jamaican charities,
the organization prepares for its' second annual South Florida
Black Tie Gala and Auction to be held at the legendary Biltmore
Hotel in Coral Gables on Saturday, April 1, 2006 starting at
6:00 p.m. Everyone interested in supporting Jamaica is welcomed
to a fun night celebrating Jamaica. The gala will feature a
reception and dinner with an auction of items ranging from luxurious
Caribbean packages to fine art. Guests will enjoy entertainment
from the popular Mighty Vikings band. Deutsche Bank Alex.Brown
leads a roster of strong corporate supporters as the Platinum
Sponsor.
A Warm South Florida Greeting!
A new tradition of elegance was added to South Florida in June
2005. South Florida society stepped out in style and onto the
red carpet to welcome the inaugural American Friends of Jamaica
gala to the area. The elegant black-tie affair hosted some 230
guests including U.S. and Jamaican diplomats, Jamaican businessmen
and South Florida's Jamaican society.
"We are extremely pleased with the response from the South Florida
community," adds AFJ President Amb. Glen Holden, ret., "our
presence here is an important step in reaching a vital and influential
group. Last year's attendees continue to comment on how they
enjoyed the event and we hope to exceed their expectations this
year".
This year's gala will recognize the humanitarian efforts of
Hon. Oliver F. Clarke O.J. - Chairman and Managing Director
of The Gleaner Company Limited and Diageo, the world's leading
premium drinks business and producer of Jamaica's Red Stripe
Beer. The honorees will join a distinguished list of individuals
and corporations who have received the AFJ honor including famed
fashion icon Ralph & Ricky Lauren, renowned Billionaire and
philanthropist Michael Lee Chin, Sandals founder Gordon Butch
Stewart, and Harry Belafonte.
Keisha A. Phipps, AFJ's newly appointed Executive Director adds,
"South Florida represents our fastest growing segment and we
look forward to growing this base even further. Last year's
event highlighted that the Jamaicans in the South Florida area
are extremely committed to giving back to our island."
The Work Must Go On!
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 2005,
17 grants were awarded to organizations such as Trench Town
Development Association, Jamaican Ministry of Education, the
Jamaica Society of Blind and Hanover Charities. 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. |
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