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Caribbean Food Delights honored by NY Based Jamaican Charity, Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO)

NEW YORK – Caribbean Food Delights was on Saturday, December 1, presented with Pioneer Service Award for its corporate philanthropy by the New York based Jamaican charity Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) Inc. during its 18th Annual Scholarship Gala at the LaGuardia Plaza Hotel in New York City.

Also among this year’s honorees were Colin Barrett, who received the Committed Partner Award; Winston Wellington, Distinguished Service Award and COJO Executive Victoria E. Mitchell, recipient of the Community Service Award.

Consul General of Jamaica to New York Herman G. LaMont in bringing greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller commended COJO for making children their priority. The Prime Minister thanked COJO for its consistent and dedicated effort, time and resources in supporting the health and education of Jamaica’s children, the poor, the vulnerable and the disadvantaged, and wished the organisation every success as they continue to invest in people.

According to the Prime Minister, “with greater resolve and commitment, together we can fulfil the mission of positively connecting youths to their communities and encourage, empower, and equip them to become useful citizens of the future.”

Director General in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment and past honoree Carrole Guntley in providing reflections said she was humbled by the recognition last year and accepted the award on behalf of the many children, young men and women who have benefitted in some way as a result of the generosity of Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO).


Gail Moaney, Managing Partner, Director, Finn Partners (left) presents the COJO 2012 Pioneer Service Award to Caribbean Food Delights. Accepting the award is Vincent Hosang, Founder and Sabrina Hosang, Chief Operating Officer.

Over the past decade, the volunteer-driven organization has supported a number of institutions in Jamaica and the United States. Among them are the Alpha Boys’ Home, Glenhope Place of Safety, Marigold Child Care Centre, Musgrave Girls’ Home, City of Refuge, Summerfield Boy’s Home, Granville Place of Safety for Girls in Jamaica; and in New York, the Jamaica, Queens YMCA and Leaf of Life.

Among the supporters of this year’s fundraiser: JetBlue Airways, which provided airline tickets; attraction partners Dolphin Cove and Mystic Mountain; hotel partners Grand Palladium, Half Moon, Jamaica Pegasus, Ritz Carlton, Round Hill, Sandals, Sunset Beach, Wyndham Kingston as well as Appleton Estate, Carol Brooks, Dr. Daniel Laroche, Estee Lauder, Grace Kennedy and Jablum.

Patrons were kept entertained throughout the night by Empea Entertainment.


COJO Founder Gary Williams (centre) and Consul General Herman G. LaMont (3rd right) pose with honorees Victoria E. Mitchell, Vicent Hosang & Sabrina Hosang, and Winston Wellington. Sharing the occasion is Rev. Canon Calvin McIntyre, MC (2nd left) and Director General in the Ministry of Tourism & past honoree Carrole Guntley. Absent is honoree Colin Barrett.

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