The “Jamaica Charity Galas” are key among the annual fundraising activities promoted by non-profit The American Friends of Jamaica. Each year, philanthropists and well wishers gather in Miami, and again in New York, for beautifully appointed evenings of celebration to raise money for worthy causes on the island, and to recognize their most generous peers. This year’s South Florida event will be hosted in the Grand Ballroom of the Four Seasons Miami on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 6:30 PM.
In 2016, The American Friends of Jamaica raised over US$239,000 for the benefit of Jamaican organizations including the Sickle Cell Trust, SOS Children’s Village and Cornwall Regional Hospital. This year’s almost sold-out event, with substantial ticket and sponsorship prices, silent auction, and pledge drive, will make significant headway in their goal to exceed previous targets, providing even greater assistance to the island.
Guests, including heads of government, international corporate executives and affluent expatriates, will enjoy breathtaking intracoastal views, an open bar cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, and musical entertainment by Julian Marley.
William Mahfood, Chairman of Wisynco Group Ltd., will be honored with the “2017 International Humanitarian Award” for his leadership and unyielding support of philanthropic programs. Dr. Kevin Coy, Cardiologist and Cheryl Wynter, Public Information Officer, Consulate of Jamaica in Miami, will each receive The “2017 Lignum Vitae Vanguard Award” for outstanding achievement and service in the Jamaican Diaspora.
“We are proud to be honoring the achievements of William Mahfood, a dynamic leader who lives his life generously, as well as Dr. Kevin Coy and Cheryl Wynter, outstanding members of South Florida’s Diaspora community” says Wendy Hart, President of The American Friends of Jamaica.
Discretionary grants and donor-direct grants have been awarded by the group to organizations including Early Childhood Center of Excellence, HEART Institute, Issa Trust Mary Issa Health Center, Music Unites, Pocket Rocket High School Scholarship Program, Rose Town Foundation, Animal House, Breds, Chichibud, Falmouth Heritage, Friends of Hopewell, Gore Foundation, Hanover Charities, JA Epilepsy, JASY, PALS, Project Sprout, and four UWI Bursaries.
The The American Friends of Jamaica is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization built on the principles of service and philanthropy, and is established to render assistance in the areas of Education, Healthcare, and Economic Development. The AFJ Grant Cycle begins at the end of each year and grants are disbursed in April of the following year.
