Staff WriterBoxing Champion Honored With International Achievement Award
NEW YORK (October 2008) – On November 6, 2008, The American Friends of Jamaica will host its 27th Annual Gala and Auction for Jamaican Charities to raise awareness of education, health and economic development needs on the island of Jamaica. The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Jamaican charitable and social initiatives in Jamaica. By connecting organizations with resources the AFJ serves as an enabler to their success.
The gala Chaired by AFJ Board member Manuela Goren will be held at Gotham Hall in New York City and will bring together persons who love Jamaica and want to see it prosper. Guests include American multinational corporations with commercial interests in Jamaica, American winter residents, members of the diplomatic corps and Jamaicans living overseas. The event known for its elegance and showcasing the best of Jamaica will feature a silent and live auction with auctioneer Josef Forstmayr followed by dinner, entertainment from the New Kingston Band.
”The gala is a wonderful way to show your support of charitable activities in Jamaica” commented Ambassador Sue Cobb, AFJ’s President, “It is so important for each of us to take responsibility for giving back to those in need.”
The event is also the time when the spotlight is on philanthropists. This year, AFJ will honor Lennox Lewis with the AFJ International Achievement Award for his active involvement in a wide range of philanthropic organizations in academy and sports. His accomplishments certainly haven’t stopped with his boxing career, as Lewis’ triumphs in the ring have translated into his humanitarian efforts. Son of Jamaican parent Violet Lewis, he has made both significant contributions to the country while raising important funds for charities in Jamaica through a multitude of initiatives, including athletic programs in the St. James parish of Jamaica.
Last year’s recipients were Edgar and Louise Cullman. Past honorees included entertainment mogul Chris Blackwell, life style designer Ralph Lauren and his wife, Ricky, Tony Hart, Food for the Poor, Robert Nesta Marley and President Ronald Reagan among other friends of Jamaica.
The gala will include a cocktail reception, dinner, award presentation and entertainment by the New Kingston Band along with an auction of items ranging from luxurious Caribbean packages to fine art. Tickets are available for $500.00 US per person and can be purchased by calling 212-626-6883. For more information visit AFJ’s website, www.AFJ.org/gala.
About American Friends of Jamaica
ince its inception in 1982, the American Friends of Jamaica has raised over $11 million dollars for Jamaica non-profits focused in the areas of education, healthcare and economic development. In 2006, 15 grants were awarded to organizations such as Project Help Jamaica, Jamaican Ministry of Education, the Jamaica Society for the 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, Grace Kennedy Limited and Western Union International. In 2006, the AFJ also launched its Diaspora Giving Program, a dynamic initiative that serves to formalize charitable dollars from Diaspora members in the United States to Jamaican Organizations.
Media Contacts:
Marianna Biela, AMPR
413.519.4538
[email protected]
Nadeige Martelly, AMPR
561.278.2758
[email protected]
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