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COJO Summer Soiree bigger and better

Published:Wednesday | July 26, 2017 | 12:00 AMKimberly Goodall
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Rain or shine, long-time COJO supporters (from left) Lloyd Sergeant, Janette Weatherly, Marjorie Delapenha and Kearn Weatherly turned out for the event.
Shaun Bucknor and his wife Ceceile enjoying COJO Summer Soirée.
Kevin Richardson and his beautiful belle, Jennifer Garcia.
Founder and Chairman of COJO Gary Williams (left) shares the spotlight with long-time COJO supporter Dalbert Daley.
COJO board member Victoria Mitchell flashes her best smile as she shows off her fashionable ensemble.
From left: Lois Campbell, Marie Kiffin and Avril Francis came out in support of COJO’s fifth summer soirée.
Long-time COJO supporter Harold Irons (left) in the company of Kenny Harris.
The lucky winner of the JetBlue vacation package, Beverley Brown, proudly accepts her certificate from COJO Chairman Gary Williams.
Marcia Erskine (left) pauses from her conversation for a photo op with Paulette Taylor.
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On Saturday, July 22, members of the Jamaican diaspora in New York gathered in Jamaica Estate to help celebrate and support the Children of Jamaica Outreach's (COJO) annual Summer Soiree.

The property of Dalbert and Vilma Daley, perfect for the summer afternoon event, created the perfect ambience for patrons to enjoy the weather and decorate the lawns in beautiful summer colours.

The mastermind behind the Non-governmental organisation, Gary Williams, welcomed those in attendance as the musical stylings of the Tropical Rythms band kept patrons in high spirits.

This, the fifth staging of the soirÈe by COJO was to raise funds to provide scholarships and support for underserved children in Jamaica and the United States. The 23-year-old charity continues to improve the health, education and well-being of children with their annual trip to the island.

 

PRIZES

 

Walking on to the lawns, patrons deposited donations in envelopes and purchased their raffle tickets in the hopes of winning the grand prize of a six-day, five-night stay for two at the Grand Palladium Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, with round-trip tickets courtesy of JetBlue Airways.

At stake for the big auction was a JetBlue vacation package of two round-trip tickets, and US$1,000 towards a hotel stay, Beverley Brown easily copped the win.

Delicious finger foods and tasty wines whetted the taste buds and patrons eagerly grabbed their seats to enjoy performances by D'Oro Dance Ensemble.

Afterwards, they got to feast their eyes on some gorgeous, unique pieces from the Mooshood Collection, Courtney Washington, Fully Charged Fitness and Activewear, and Signature Closet Boutique.

The skies opened up providing showers of blessings and many reached for their umbrellas, while others were quite content to sit in the rain that did not stop the show. The models did not miss a beat and continued their strut even when the music failed to maintain its beat.

Then it was time to satisfy appetites, and that was the responsibility of renowned Jamaican restaurant, The Door. They provided a wide variety of dishes that included some Jamaican favourites such as jerked chicken and rice and peas, as well as other delicious offerings such as pastas and meatballs that were very delicious.

With food and fashion out of the way, it was time for the grand finale - to select the winner of the jackpot. Coming out victorious was Peter Thompson who has supported the charity over the years. A very excited Thompson is looking forward to his upcoming trip.

Continuing the fun, DJ Drew of DIMEX hit all the right notes in bringing everyone to their feet to enjoy an evening all for a very good cause.

kimberly.goodall@gleanerjm.com