15 September, 2022 -- The Labor Day weekend in the United States is chock full of activities that attract the Caribbean diaspora. Thankfully, the Sandy Point Benevolent Society – a nonprofit organization operating in New York secured its share of loyal supporters who turned out in their numbers to celebrate the return of its Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday September 3rd.
“We had a full house this year. It seemed as if people could not wait to experience this event after it was put on pause for the last two years owing to Covid-19,” reported Stewart Williams, President of the SPBS. “We were heartened by the turnout to the major fundraiser that finances our scholarship and other projects. We also want to express thanks to the corporate sponsors of our magazine for their tremendous sponsorship support this year,” shared the President.
One of the highlights of the banquet was the honoring of deserving volunteers who went above and beyond the call of duty to work with the executive of the SPBS. For this, five persons received plaques of recognition which were presented by the organization’s president. They were Sylvester “Sacrotes” Hodge, Tessa Allen-Dennehy, Coreentje Phipps-Benjamin, Jacqueline Payne-Smith and Eloise Herbert. A former Distinguished Leader honoree, Mrs Sylvia Mills was also present at the event.
Winners of the SPBS Raffle, which is annually promoted along with the banquet, also received their prizes that night. The first prize of a 7-day luxurious cruise for two was won by Lisa Zapata. Lamont Lawrence was the winner of the second prize of a Meta Quest 2, while a $100 Amazon Gift card was won by Alston Brookes.
The event was graced by the presence of Bronx Borough President – Vanessa Gibson who spoke highly of the SPBS’ role to contribute to the growth and development of young people. Also in attendance at the event, were Jackiema Flemming, current Miss UVI and Miss HBCU and SPBS scholar and Shermin Stevens, President of the SPBS St. Kitts Chapter.
Distinguished alumnus of SPBS and Assistant Vice President for Research and Economic Development/Director for Technology Transfer and Commercialization at Jackson State University, Dr Almesha Richardson-Campbell delivered the Feature Address around the theme “Creating opportunities and measuring impact”.
Retired Commissioner of Police and OECS Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, His Excellency Ian Queeley was the patron of the event.
Each attendant at the event received a goody bag which included the organization’s souvenir magazine – an all-time favourite this year. Very shortly, the organization will load the magazine on its website to allow access to a wider audience.
The executive and members of the Sandy Point Benevolent Society have expressed its deepest gratitude for the strong show of support in 2022 and remind all that the 2023 event will be held in St. Kitts & Nevis.
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