|
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (December 11, 2006) -- Sunday December 10th was an evening of red carpet; fine food and champagne for over 200 specially invited guests who turned out in their finery. The evening was called the "Perfect 10" and the venue was the AAA rated Marshall's restaurant with all proceeds from the event being donated to two local charities.
The event was a joint collaboration between Digicel and Marshall's who both had something to celebrate; for Marshall's it was to mark 10 years of successful business in St. Kitts and for Digicel the signing of a 10 year lease on their new corporate home in the Federation.
The two selected charities were St. Kitts-based "Ade's Place," which is an NGO geared at improving living conditions for young adults with disabilities, and Nevis-based "The Change Center," which is an NGO geared at providing counseling, case management, and referral services to persons who are victims of sexual emotional or physical abuse.
Guests were treated to an evening of entertainment which was hosted ably by popular local personality, Ms. Toni Frederick. The St. Kitts and Nevis Steel Orchestra opened the evening with later performances by local band Royalties.
The central point of evening was a silent auction which was deftly administered by Mr. Kishu Chandiramani. The auction was staged from a specially constructed platform which was mounted over the large swimming pool which is the focal of the well known restaurant. Auctions items included several pieces of autographed West Indies cricket memorabilia, a VIP weekend at the St. Kitts Marriott and a trip for two to the Jamaican Jazz Festival. Also up for bid was a beautiful print by local artist Barbara Kassab and a stunning piece of Waterford Crystal which was donated by I.C. Jewelers.
The most unusual auction item stemmed from an impromptu bidding war from the guests, for both Brian Finn General Manager of Digicel and Donovan White Marketing Manager to take a fully clothed dive into the pool. When the bidding reached $2k both gentlemen obliged and plunged into the pool much to the amusement of the guests.
Speaking at the end of the fundraiser a visibly soaked Brian Finn
commented: "This evening is not so much about Digicel or Marshall's; it's about helping these worthy causes who work tirelessly in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Both Digicel and Marshall's have donated $10k each and our goal this evening was to raise a total of $60k, we are thrilled to say has been achieved"
Donovan White expressed sincere appreciation to the numerous businesses that contributed gifts that were made possible for auction. "Special thanks must go out to Barbara Kassab, the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, I.C. Jewelers, and Digicel Jamaica who donated the season tickets for the Air Jamaica Jazz Festival; without whose support, this fundraising exercise may not have attracted the immense support that it has."
Meanwhile speaking on behalf of Marshall's proprietor Verral Marshall, Jovil Martin thanked the many persons who contributed to the charities in the names of Digicel and Marshall's. "Tonight we have donated $10,000.00 to these charities and I sincerely hope that you too will find it in your hearts to donate generously to these wonderful organizations that are helping to shape the lives of the disable and to save the lives of the victimized."
Ade's Place Director, Clarice Cotton said, "the funds would go towards ensuring that individuals with severe disabilities, can meet in a stimulating environment, and learn skills that will help them to become independent, productive citizens. Many graduates of the Special Education Unit with severe disabilities and or behaviour problems leave school and return home to sit idly and are unproductive. Few of these individuals can work independently however; the majority will always need to be in a supportive environment."
Change Center's Salome James said "she hopes to apply the funds raised towards the provision of a safe haven shelter to be called "Solace House" for abused persons." |
