Glitz and glam of Hanover Charities diamond jubilee

WESTERN BUREAU:

A large gemstone graced the cover of the Hanover Charities Sugar Cane Ball invitation, the precursor and permission to sparkle like a diamond at the jubilee event which is poised to raise more than J$51 million for charity.

Not only did guests at one of the largest and most profitable charity events glitter, but those whose hearts are lined with gold gave generously, at the 60th anniversary celebration held at the Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Hanover on Saturday, February 18.

The celebration, which kicked-off on Wednesday, February 15, showcasing and promoting young artists attached to the National Gallery of Jamaica, was an indication of Hanover Charities' undisputed commitment to the arts and education.

Focusing on four young and emerging artists exploring new conceptual and thematic directions, the five-day show was a hit with those who can appreciate creativity.

On Friday, February 17, attention was turned to a football match, followed on Saturday night with what Hanover Charities' hardworking chair, Katrin Casserly tagged a 'Diamond Jubilee Sugar Cane Ball'.

As late as Saturday afternoon, persons were still trying to get tickets for the sold-out event. Prime Minister Andrew Holness and wife, Juliet, were part of the attraction, so was Dr Peter Phillips and his wife, Sandra Minott-Phillips.

Saturday night was also for ambassadors, and birthday celebrations, with American ambassador Luis Moreno, Brazil's Carlos Den-Hartog and Jamaica's own Audrey Marks, and Brenda La Grange Johnson, making their presence felt.

As fabulous and glittery as the Sugar Cane Ball was, Casserly said, "Hanover Charities is not just about the Sugar Cane Ball, but really what happens during the months and years after".

Education is the organisation's focus, and in 2017, the team aims to help at least three more schools with ongoing placement of computer labs, and add more scholars to the 129 they already support, as well as increase the scholarship amount to their students.

Sports, an important mantle of Hanover Charities, will also get a shot in the arm with the renovation and expansion of the Orchard Sports Complex and Community Centre, to include a homework centre and computer room.

"The power of education is undeniable all across the world, both socially and personally; it has been referred to by the United Nations as the universal passport to human development," said Casserly.

Hanover Charities funds feeding programmes for primary schools, literacy programmes, safe places for children to do homework, even while building classrooms and computer rooms - all in the parish of Hanover.

On Sunday, the celebration moved to Chukka Sandy Bay, where polo players competed for the Hanover Charities Cup, while giving back to the charity, and women competed in a Best Hat Competition, which was won by Eva Myers of Evita's.

Myers, who wore a pink-feathered headpiece, got stiff competition from New Yorker, Sofia Reznick, who went all out to produce the most creative head wear. Both Parish Judge Natalie Hart and attorney-at-law, Ashley-Ann Foster had eyes glued on their fashionable hats.

Sponsored by Caribbean Producers Jamaica, Robbie Joseph Catering, provided food for this event, while Tai Flora did the decor and John Swaby gave tents. The event was powered by Ward's Power Tools.

At the end of a fabulous day, the White Team won the Casa de Oro-sponsored prize and the Hanover Charities Cup.

The occasion attracted the likes of New York socialite Larry Leeds; Edward and Patricia Falkenberg; CEO of I-Heart media Bob Pittman and his wife, Veronique; senior partner in Brown Brothers Harriman Radford 'Roddy' Klotz and his wife, Nazee; Private equity fund Providence Equity's Glenn and Mary Jane Creamer; major shareholder of family-owned department store chain C & A from The Netherlands Fernande 'Nan' Brenninkmeyer; UK socialite Lady Caroline St George; New York socialite and chair of Sugar Cane Ball Vanessa Noel and her mother Emma Ginley; member of the aristocratic Monson family of the UK, Tricia Monson; Mark Schwarzman brother of Stephen Schwarzman of Blackstone and his wife, Nancy; scion of the Iranian royal house of Kadjar Ali Wambold and wife, Monica Gerrard-Sharpe Wambold; UK socialite Vanessa Antstruther-Gough-Calthorpe; Countess of Portsmouth Lady Annabel Wallop; and New York socialite Daisy Soros.

Also in attendance were Congresswoman Caroline Malloney; DC billionaire and owner of Half Moon Guy Stuart; jewellery designer of De'Medici Joe Pacetti; Vanity Fair contributor and author James Reginato; UK billionaire Sir Christopher Hohn of African Children's Fund and Rickie Lloyd, who was just appointed as social secretary to Melania Trump, and her husband Thomas.

Hanover Charities has been serving the needy in the parish for 60 years, offering food for the hungry help for health facilities, libraries, and schools.