Proceeds from this major fundraiser are used to provide scholarships and support for deserving students and Jamaican child-care institutions in need.

Cross, president of Activate Worldwide and the founder of her nonprofit Activate Your Life, is delighted to be invited by COJO to serve as special guest for this anniversary milestone. “I am honored to be asked to address COJO’s silver anniversary and will focus my remarks on the heart of the village, referencing the ‘each one, reach one’ mantra. I will focus on the need for a shift in the narrative to focus on the power of how empowering a child can and will change a nation,” noted Cross.

Her story is one of triumph and overcoming odds of incarceration as a teen to now using her message to inspire thousands. With her recent contract with Nike and hosting The Women’s Empowerment Experience for the Madison Square Garden Company, Cross helps women and at-risk youth speak their truth and stand in their power. Cross has been seen on BET, CNN, ABC, NBC and “The Today Show” to name a few. She is a media personality and social influencer who advocates for overlooked and marginalized women.

Among the honorees this year are Earl Jarrett who will receive the COJO Humanitarian Award; Michael and Lesline Hall, the COJO Community Service Award; Crafton Kelly and Mrs. Daverline Burrell-Waller, who will receive the COJO Distinguished Service Award and the Jamaica Tourist Board, the COJO Corporate Award.

For more than a decade, the volunteer-driven organization has supported a number of institutions in Jamaica and the United States and has presented scholarships to deserving wards of the state in Jamaica totaling over $160 million since 2012.

A number of corporate entities including JetBlue have donated airline tickets as raffle prizes for this year’s event. For tickets for the annual gala or more information contact the Children of Jamaica Outreach office at 1-888- 275-0121.