NIGHTLIGHT: THE BRITISH SOCIETIES and THE AMERICAN FRIENDS OF JAMAICA HOST A SUMMER GARDEN PARTY The American Friends of Jamaica and The St. George’s Society, The British Societies of New York, host this special fundraiser
Whom You Know previously covered this:
http://www.whomyouknow.com/2010/07/nightlight-summer-garden-party-for.html
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The American Friends of Jamaica Inc. (AFJ) a non profit organization established to support social and economic development in Jamaica; along, teamed up with the St George’s Society of New York ~ a British charitable organization established to assist elderly and disabled residents in the New York area of British and Commonwealth heritage ~ at a fabulous summer Garden party to raise much needed funding for charity.
The British Societies encouraged participation in this event from a diversity of Societies, and in so doing saw a record number of participants enjoying the evening at the Chelsea Close Theological Seminary Gardens. The St. George’s Society saw co-sponsorship of their signature summer gathering from the American Friends of Jamaica, the Jamaican Consulate, the American Scottish Foundation, the American British Project, British Schools and Universities Club, Daughters of the British Empire, English Speaking Union of New York, New York Caledonian Club, the Pilgrims of the United States, St. Andrew’s Society in the State of New York, the Order of St. John and the St. David’s Society.
John Shannon, Executive Director and Almoner of the St. George’s Society said “While New York has many British-related societies, associations and clubs, each with specific objectives and purposes, they seldom have the opportunity to co-sponsor an event for all their members to mingle and enjoy themselves and celebrate the historic ties… there is strength in numbers and, in the aftermath of HM The Queen’s visit, a great number of people will be celebrating Britain’s cultural legacy to New York.”
It was clear that the evening’s garden party was indicative of greater things to come, and in that light, the American Friends of Jamaica anticipates deepening their relationship with the St. Georges Society, and other British Societies. In broadening the AFJ’s partnership and encouraging participation, the AFJ invited the participation of their partners the Jamaica Partnership for Education (JPE) of the Jamaica National family.
Executive Director of the American Friends of Jamaica Ms. Donnette Chambers said “this event marks the beginning of developing greater synergies with such a wide range of participants, and enhances the AFJ’s ability to raise additional funds for Educational Charities in Jamaica.”
The AFJ will host their annual star-studded fundraiser on October 18th 2010. Discussions are underway to host a restaurant week featuring Jamaican cuisine with leading New York and Miami restauraunteurs in a joint effort between the JPE and the AFJ to source much needed funding and raise the levels of awareness for the financing of educational pursuits and platforms in Jamaica. More information and details about these upcoming events can be found at www.theafj.org.
Since its inception in 1982, the American Friends of Jamaica has raised over $11 million dollars for Jamaica non-profits focused in the areas of education, healthcare and economic development. In 2009, over 40 grants were awarded to organizations such as the Jamaica Society for the Blind, Mobay Hope Clinic, students of the University of the West Indies, Top Hill Basic School, and Hanover Charities. In addition to fundraising through special events such as their two galas in New York and Miami, the AFJ has a comprehensive strategy involving individual giving and partnerships with corporations and foundations such as the Tiger Woods Foundation, Jockey International, Grace Kennedy Limited and Western Union International.
