NEW YORK – The American Friends of Jamaica Inc. (AFJ) a 501 c (3) non-profit organization established to support social and economic development in the island of Jamaica hosted its 29th Annual Hummingbird Gala on Monday, October 18, 2010 at the iconic Capitale in New York City.
The gala is the AFJ’s flagship event and served to raise funds for Jamaican charitable organizations and individuals, in the areas of education, health care and economic development.
Grammy Award winning Reggae artiste and international philanthropist Shaggy wowed the crowd, delivering renditions of his popular songs to a packed and thoroughly entertained audience.
In celebrating the achievements of an individual, the AFJ presents the prestigious Humming Bird Award to a deserving person who has demonstrated leadership, service, and philanthropy to the island of Jamaica.
This year, the AFJ honored Sanya Richards Ross ~ Olympian, US Record Holder, Leader and Philanthropist. Support for Ms. Ross also came from members of the Jamaican Women’s Basketball team in particular Marvadene “Bubbles” Anderson the Tallest Teenager in the world. Marvadene along with her fellow team members attended the AFJ Gala in a show of solidarity for a fellow athlete.
AFJ Executive Director Donnette Chambers reminded the sponsors and participants to “think of how much your donations and sponsorship mean to the persons and charitable organizations in need in the island of Jamaica, and know that through the AFJ you are making a difference.” The AFJ indeed is making a marked difference in Jamaica with over $ US 11.4 million in donations in the past 29 years to the island. The AFJ looks forward with great anticipation to their 30th year of existence in 2011, as leaders in philanthropy.
Ambassador Glen Holden handing over Hummingbird Award to Ms Sanya Richards Ross.
Photo credit: Errol Anderson
In accepting the Hummingbird Award, Sanya Richards Ross indicated that she was “thrilled to receive the American Friends Of Jamaica Hummingbird Award. Its always been my desire to give back to the country that I feel has given so much to me. My education in Jamaica gave me the confidence to not only do well in school but to be willing to challenge myself in all aspects of my life. It was an incredible gift that I could never place a value on. I believe that every child deserves a fair opportunity to receive a good education, in hopes that it will enlighten them to be able to live their dreams as well.”
Ms Sanya Richards Ross displaying the hummingbird award.
Photo credit: Errol Anderson
In partnering with the Fun 4 Kidz, in South Florida, and the Ministry of Education in Jamaica, Sanya has instigated and borne the cost of a literacy and leadership program in Jamaica~ the Sanya Richards Fast Track Program; with the goal of helping children achieve literacy at their expected grade level.
Sanya was one of the first athletes to participate in the USA Track and Field Win With Integrity Program in which she travels to schools and speaks with children about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, drug-free living, and hard work. She recently joined Lance Armstrong in the fight against Cancer on the Livestrong campaign, and was chosen to don a custom made Livestrong uniform and golden spikes in competition. She has also participated in initiatives with Feeding America, in an effort to end the hunger epidemic in the United States. As a member of the American Bechet’s Disease Association, Sanya works to help bring awareness to Bechet’s disease, an autoimmune disease that results from damage to the blood vessels throughout the body, particularly the veins. Such leadership at such a young age has not gone unnoticed
In conferring the Hummingbird Award, the American Friends of Jamaica is proud to add Sanya Richards Ross to its esteemed list of International Achievement awardees ranging from entertainment mogul and Island Outpost founder, Chris Blackwell; Father Richard Ho Lung, involved with Missionaries of the Poor; Ralph Ricky Lauren of Polo Ralph Lauren; Edgar and Louise Cullman, Humanitarians and Philanthropists; Hon. Oliver F. Clarke, O.J of the Gleaner Company; Diageo Corporation; Michele Rollins, Chairman of Rosehall Developments; The Jamaica National Building Society; Heavyweight Champion, Lennox Lewis; and last years’ New York honoree and current Director of the American Friends of Jamaica ~ Ambassador Brenda la Grange Johnson.
SCENES FROM GALA
Shaggy wows the crowd!
Shaggy and Amb Audrey P. Marks Jamaican Ambassador to the USA.
Photo credit: Errol Anderson
