The organizers of the 10th Annual Merritone Outdoor Picnic and Family Fun Day recently announced that business entrepreneur Vincent HoSang and his family will be the recipients of the second annual ‘Caribbean American Family of the Year Appreciation Award’ presented by Grace Tropical Rhythms for being exemplary role models and in acknowledgement of their long-standing commitment to the greater Caribbean American community in the tri-state area.

Mr. Hosang, is a philanthropist who has contributed significantly to numerous charitable organizations in the US and Jamaica. A few years ago his organization – The The Vincent Hosang Family Foundation – assisted with the purchase of a mobile Health Clinic equipped with state of the art dental and medical equipment. The clinic – valued at over U$150,000 – has become the centerpiece of the Organization of International Development (OID) semi annual mission to Jamaica. Mr. HoSang is also a generous contributor to Team Jamaica Bickle, which provides housing, transportation and food for Caribbean athletes who participate at the annual Penn Relays in Philadelphia each year.

Mr. HoSang is the founder and CEO of Royal Caribbean Bakery and head of Caribbean Food Delight – the largest Caribbean frozen food plant in North America which has emerged as a beacon of reliability and pride for Jamaicans overseas. At age 67, the Cornwall College old boy shows no signs of slowing down and is now focused on his latest project – JerkQ’zine – a franchise store offering jerk chicken, fish and other items.

“Vinny is a stalwart who serves as and example to all immigrants, specifically those from the Caribbean” Conroy Allison, event coordinator of the annual Merritone picnic said.

“His success from humble beginnings is the result of hard work and perseverance that goes to show that ambition and determination can overcome all obstacles. Individually and collectively, his family has given a great deal to the Caribbean community. They have set a tremendous example for our young people and are richly deserving of
this award” he said.

The award will be presented at the 10th staging of the Merritone Outdoor Picnic and Family Fun Day slated to take place at Lake Quassy, Middlebury, Connecticut on Sunday, July 8th 2007. This year’s ‘Family fun day’ will feature the ‘Royal Caribbean Bakery Patty Eating Contest, The Weekly Gleaner Treasure Hunt, Karaoke, 25 different rides for children and the “Tri-State Knockout Domino Competition” where teams compete for cash prizes compliments of Western Union.

Music will be provided by Merritone Disco featuring Winston and Trevor Blake alongside DJ Roy & Desu from Road International Disco and Dubb Master from Irie Jam Radio.