Darren Virtue, Neil Crooks and Ard Jarrett, of DNA Entertainment, donated $50,000 worth of goods to the Alpha Boys School & Home on Monday, July 16, and also signed up for the school’s sponsorship programme.
“After the success of our last party ‘Fever’ we decided to give back in some form of charity.” Explains Darren, Director of Marketing and Events for DNA entertainment and owner of Complete Care Solutions Ltd. “We chose Alpha because we like what they stand for, helping under-privileged boys become productive men in society. Having played for Tivoli Gardens Football Club and being around under-privileged families on a day to basis, I’ve always felt strongly that these kids don’t always get many opportunities and I made a commitment to myself that I would help whenever I could. This is just a start but hopefully we can do more in the future.”
When DNA Entertainment approached Richard Foran, Director of Alpha Boys School, he suggested that they also join the sponsorship programme. “Its good that DNA has a sense of civic responsibility and we appreciate this donation. Hopefully this attitude will spread and other young professionals will consider giving to charity.” Foran explains. “But I do try and encourage people to get involved in a more formal way. There is a lot of generosity but it is not channelled. Our sponsorship programme gives people like DNA an organised and constant way to give. Too many people think you have to be a millionaire to be a philanthropist.”
The Alpha Boys’ sponsorship programme allows persons to commit to a set amount each month. Foran explained that it could be as low as $500 per month. “Our sponsors get semi annual newsletters detailing the school and home’s progress. You get a chance to be apart of something, and see how your help makes a difference”
Neil, an airline pilot and Ard, chief designer at the architecture and interior design firm Zuar Ltd, along with Darren an entrepreneur himself, are happy to be apart of this programme.
“It is very fulfilling for me to participate in giving back to our community. We’ve been blessed with having several successful events over the last few years and we have always wanted to partake in helping those who are in need. I am confident that with DNA committing to the Alpha Boys sponsorship programme, it is just the beginning for us to play more of an active role in local community service and trust that it will have a positive impact for our people and essentially our country.” Neil remarked.
“I’m proud to be apart of this programme. We believe that young, dynamic enterprises that are building the private sector should focus their effort towards building the island’s civic infrastructure, and this has turned out to be the perfect avenue for DNA to step into that direction. We hope that we can encourage other young professionals to join such programmes.” Commented Ard.
DNA Entertainment promises to also continue giving any additional items from their parties to Alpha Boys. They are now preparing for their next party instalment: ‘Extatiq – Pretty in Pink’ to be held at Mariner’s Beach Club in Negril on August 5th during the RTI weekend.
Alison Young
Entertainment Publicist
ALYKHAT PR
Mobile: (876) 365-3734
VOIP: (954) 642-0618
www.myspace.com/alykhat
