COJO celebrates 25 years
Published:Sunday | December 22, 2019 | 12:00 AMJanet Silvera - Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Caribbean Food Delight’s Vincent HoSang, Michael and Lesline Hall, Crafton ‘Tony’ Kelly, Deverline Burrell Waller and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) shared the spotlight at the Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) 25th anniversary gala in New York recently.
The only distinguished community builder missing from the ballroom at the Hilton New York, JFK Airport, was philanthropist Earl Jarrett, chief executive officer of The Jamaica National Group. Jarrett, who was named the COJO Philanthropy awardee, has been one of the organisation’s biggest partners.
HoSang was recognised with the highest honour as a humanitarian; while the Halls and Kelly shared the spotlight as Distinguished Service awardees; Burrell-Walker received the Community Service Award; and the JTB was lauded for their role as good corporate citizens.
The annual event, staged to recognise members of the diaspora who continue to provide a way for the less fortunate in their homelands, was attended by some 150 guests, including Jamaica’s Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Development, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr; Jamaica’s newest diplomat, Alsion Roach-Wilson and husband, Recardo; the Child Protection and Family Service Agency’s Rosalee Gage-Grey; former Barrack Obama Lifetime Achievement awardee and motivational speaker Lucinda Cross; and scholarship recipient Golda-Mae Bullock.
Since 2012, COJO has donated over US$150,000 towards scholarships to tertiary institutions in Jamaica. The brainchild of Jamaica-born American Gary Williams, COJO’s mission is to help improve the health, education and general well-being of less fortunate children.
A number of sponsors contributed to COJO 25th Anniversary Scholarship Gala and Awards, including the US-based JetBlue Airways and Estee Lauder; the Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Half Moon and Sandals Resorts.