The Integrity Children’s Fund (ICF) marked its 23rd anniversary with its annual gala, An Evening of Glamour for Education, on June 21st, 2025 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. The event recognised three Jamaicans for their professional achievements and service to communities in Jamaica and the diaspora, while raising funds for educational programmes for at-risk and immigrant children in Jamaica and Atlanta.
The honourees were Dr Sharon Harley, a pioneer in integrative medicine and humanitarian work; Mrs Alrene Richards Barr, OD, an aviation strategist and international affairs leader; and Consul General Oliver Mair, a cultural advocate and community organiser.
Dr. Sharon Harley – Medical Innovator and Humanitarian
Dr Sharon Harley, founder and medical director of the Harley Institute, has dedicated her career to preventive and wellness medicine, aiming to reduce age-related diseases and improve quality of life. Her work includes numerous medical missions to underserved communities in Jamaica, alongside leadership in public health initiatives to expand access to care.
Her approach combines clinical expertise with a commitment to tackling the root causes of illness, reflecting the values of compassion and service at the core of ICF’s mission.
Mrs. Alrene Richards Barr, OD – Aviation Strategist and Connector
As senior director of international affairs at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Mrs Alrene Richards Barr has overseen programmes fostering international business, cultural exchange, and economic development. Her work has linked communities across Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond, and she has been recognised internationally for her leadership.
A recipient of Jamaica’s National Order of Distinction, Mrs Richards Barr is also known for mentoring young women and encouraging greater female representation in leadership roles.
Consul General Oliver Mair – Cultural and Community Leader
Consul General Oliver Mair represents Jamaica in 13 southern US states from his base in Miami, promoting trade, tourism, and investment, and advancing cultural initiatives. He has organised events such as the Jamaica Hi-5K Run/Walk and developed campaigns in support of education, health, and community programmes.
Mr Mair’s work blends diplomacy with grassroots engagement, strengthening diaspora ties while supporting initiatives that benefit communities both in Jamaica and abroad.
23 Years of Educational Support
Founded in Georgia in 2002 by a group of Jamaicans, the Integrity Children’s Fund was established in response to the high illiteracy rate among teenagers in Jamaica, later extending its work to immigrant children in the metro Atlanta area. The organisation funds literacy and numeracy programmes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, aiming to break cycles of poverty and poor educational outcomes.
To date, ICF has provided approximately US $1.5 million to support more than 8,000 students. It currently works with:
- Operation Restoration Christian School – Kingston, Jamaica
- Joytown Basic School – Kingston, Jamaica
- Maranatha Basic School – St Andrew, Jamaica
- Jacobs Well Basic School – Trelawny, Jamaica
- Dunaire Elementary – Clarkston, Georgia
The gala combined recognition of outstanding diaspora achievement with a fundraising effort to sustain educational programmes. Organisers said the proceeds will help maintain literacy and numeracy support for hundreds of children each year in Jamaica and Atlanta.
