Female Philanthropist to be Honored With International Humanitarian Award
MIAMI – On May 16, 2009, The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) will honor female philanthropist Michele Rollins at its 5th Annual Peacock Ball. The annual AFJ Gala and Auction brings awareness to the development needs on the island of Jamaica in the areas of education, healthcare, and economic.
Organized by a group of dedicated Jamaican Diaspora living in South Florida, the event will be held at the Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove in Miami. The gala is being chaired by Marcia Bullock of the Jamaica Tourist Board.
Regarded as an elegant evening of dining and entertainment, the gala will host both silent and live auctions. Benefits from the 5th Annual Peacock Ball will be contributed to increasing access to educational opportunities, quality healthcare, and improving medical services
A significant portion of the proceeds will also serve to provide opportunities for human and economic development for Jamaican families and communities as a whole. Following the auction, this enchanted gala will showcase Jamaican culture through live entertainment and an awards presentation of the 2009 International Humanitarian Award.
Michele Rollins
This year, the AFJ will honor Ms. Michele Rollins, a philanthropist and businesswoman who has made significant contributions to the tourism industry. Ms. Rollins is currently Chairman of Rollins Jamaica, Ltd., the holding company for Rose Hall, Ltd., which includes the Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort. She also holds the position of Chairman on several advisory boards of education and culture. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, and the AFJ is proud to add her to their growing list of past honorees.
Those who already hold their ranks include last year’s recipients, Father Richard Ho Lung involved with Missionaries of the Poor and Mr. Phillip Gore with Gore Developments and Tennis Jamaica. Additional past honorees include Mr. Tony Hart of Hart Investments, Food for the Poor, entertainment mogul and Island Outpost founder Chris Blackwell, Hon. Oliver F. Clarke, O.J., of The Gleaner Company and Diageo Corporation, and the inaugural honorees Monsignor. Richard Albert, founder of the St. Patrick’s Foundation and Royal Caribbean Cruises.
The gala strives to bring together persons who love Jamaica and want to see it prosper. It will include a cocktail reception, dinner, award presentation and entertainment along with an auction of items ranging from luxurious vacation packages to fine jewelry and artwork. Tickets are available for $350.00 US per person and can be purchased by calling 212-626-6883. For more information visit AFJ’s website, www.AFJ.org/gala.
