Galleon Foundation Establishes Scholarship for African American and Caribbean Students at Florida Memorial University
PLANTATION – The Galleon Foundation established a $5,000 Annual Scholarship for African American and Caribbean Students at Florida Memorial University and presented the check at their Sixth Annual Gala held Saturday, November 7, 2015, at the Renaissance Plantation in Florida.
The Gala is the Foundation’s flagship event that raises funds for scholarship programs as well as recognize individuals that have given selflessly to their community.
This year’s staging featured the who’s who of the South Florida business scene which included the Consul General Franz Hall of Jamaica-Miami, State Representative Hazel Rogers, Mayor -Miami Gardens, Oliver Gilbert, Charles Watkins, Esq. ,Shareholder Kubicki Draper and more. The event’s Keynote Speaker, Robert Runcie, Superintendent of Broward Schools addressed the importance of education and the things parents and the community can do to help kids succeed.
Persons who received honors at the 2015 staging were: Community Service Award: Commissioner Howard Berger of the City of Lauderhill, Lisa Narcisse, Vice President, Branch Manager at PNC Bank, Maria Munro, Past President of the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Commissioner Eileen E. Rathery of the City of Lauderdale Lakes. Shankar Sirju, S and J Party Rental, Cherry Marshall, Owner of the Dutch Pot Jamaican Restaurant while Superintendent Robert Runcie received the Appreciation Award.
Dr. Roslyn Artis, President of the Florida Memorial University (FMU) was presented with a $5,000 check that will established an annual scholarship program at the institution. The scholarship was funded in part by Yoram Izhak –IMC Property Management (Owner of Lauderhill), LDA Wealth Management, Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS), Kathleen B Watkins Scholarship Fund at the Pioneer Community Church, Dr. Shalette East of American Exams (americanexams.com), OneUnited Bank, and The Galleon Foundation. The scholarship is open to students of Caribbean or African American Heritage for further information please contact FMU.
The Entertainment for the evening’s proceedings was provided by The Sons of David” with Blade Martin and Tony D Clutcheye, Andrea Cole, a dance by Mikala Phillips (Many Rivers to Cross), mini fashion show by Cheryl Levy Designs, music by DJ Mark Cameron with special guest DJ Skaii from Jamaica and was marshalled by Candice Buchanan of the Candice Buchanan Show on CBS Sports Radio – Orlando (93.1fm).
The President of the Foundation Lindell Douglas said, “The Annual Gala was a tremendous success and thank the public for its support. We look forward the partnership with FMU to help students attain a solid educational foundation.”
The Galleon Foundation’s mission is to provide assistance to financially disadvantaged children at specific schools in the Caribbean and USA through scholarship and mentorship programs, to ensure that these children have access to a great education and are prepared for success in the future. Its other events are The Galleon Open (March), Caribbean Village and Welcome Parade (Caribbean American Heritage Month – June), and The Miss Jamaica Diaspora Health and Wellness Pageant (July).
“The Kathleen B. Watkins Scholarship Fund of Pioneer Community Church was pleased to be a participant in providing scholarship funds for the benefit of worthy students at Florida Memorial University,” said Charles Watkins, Esq.
“The Victoria Mutual Building Society is pleased to partner with the Galleon Foundation in awarding this notable scholarship to the Florida Memorial University. This scholarship is indicative of Victoria Mutual’s continued commitment to the Diaspora; encourage and foster youth development; promote higher education to college aged students, and by extension assist to build their financial independence through the varied savings options offered by the Society.” – Suzette Rochester, Manager, Victoria Mutual Building Society.
“As South Florida’s only historically black University, Florida Memorial serves an overwhelmingly low-wealth, high potential population of students. The Galleon Foundation’s recognition and support of our students through the establishment of a scholarship fund is a tangible investment in the lives of our students. Their generous support will enable students to achieve their educational goals and make meaningful contributions to our world.” – Dr. Artis President of FMU.
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