St James to reap $4m from Mayor's Charity Ball

Western Bureau:

After years of running dry, the coffers of the Mayor's Charity Fund, which is to support humanitarian programmes and projects in Montego Bay and the wider St James, is to be boosted this year by the staging of the inaugural Mayor's Charity Ball.

The event, scheduled for December 2 at the Half Moon Conference Centre in Rose Hall, is projected to rake in approximately J$4 million.

"It is not only good enough to ask persons for contribution, but rather, it is equally important to have them participate in some activity that will go towards what they are contributing," said Montego Bay Mayor Homer Davis during Wednesday's launch of the inaugural event at the Pier One Complex in the western city.

"So, in launching this inaugural ball, it is my hope that with their support there will be a remarkable expansion and reach of the Mayor's Charity Fund," continued Davis.

"The essence of this fund is to assist citizens who are of the low socio-economic ladder and to fund a number of events, such as our annual Christmas treat and street-feeding programme."

The mayor also noted that the event, for which tickets will be sold at US$100, will feature a strong entertainment package.

"The Mayor's Charity Fund must have money, and I hope that those who will be succeeding me will continue with this notion," added Davis.

Multiple Christmas treats

With regard to the upcoming annual Christmas treat, the mayor said he plans to do things differently this year.

According to Davis, instead of having the treat at the usual Jarrett Park location, he plans to have treats simultaneously in the five constituencies in St James.

"So it is not for Montego Bay only, it is for St James because oftentimes, on a yearly basis, for us as councillors up in the rural parts, the logistics of getting the young ones to Montego Bay are very difficult. What we will be seeking to do is to have as many children from the respective constituencies be there," Davis explained.

"Additionally, there are a number of older people who need something to be extended to them during the Christmas time. So, in each constituency, we will be inviting 100 of its senior citizens to attend the mayor's treat. We will be seeking to reach 4,000 children and 500 senior citizens within St James," added Davis.