Byron McDaniel, Gleaner Writer
THOUSANDS OF schoolchildren from Porus and its environs in Manchester will benefit from free lunches during this school year, courtesy of the Kathlyn McDaniel Foundation for Education. This follows a presentation of school supplies and a marathon free concert in Porus last Saturday.
The Kathlyn McDaniel Foundation for Education was launched in 1992 by Solomon McDaniel, chairman and chief executive officer of Mack D's Group of Companies, in association with his eight siblings in honor of the family matriarch, Kathlyn.
FAMILY DECISION
"It was a family decision in 1992 after our mother passed, to set up a foundation in her honour. It is a pleasure to do this for my community, since I was born in Porus and because it is back-to-school. It is good to know that the kids will be going back to school with some assistance," Mr. Solomon McDaniel said during an interview last Saturday.
"On Sunday (August 28), we will top it off with a church service as a memorial for my mom. After the service, I will present a cheque to the church for the children who need lunch money for the year. They can go to the church, get a voucher, go to the school and the church will pay the school for the lunch," Solomon said.
Mr. McDaniel did not disclose how much money he would be donating to the church to assist with lunches for school-age children.
Although Kathlyn McDaniel had a modest income, she reportedly assisted the children of the Trinity community with food and books from her small shop and saw to the education of her own children. Her offspring now include a billionnaire, a real estate developer, an insurance executive, manufacturers and her youngest child, a university lecturer, is a student at Harvard University, completing his doctoral studies.
Former Miss World, Lisa Hanna was present at the ceremony.
"I am a friend of the McDaniel family and it is a pleasure for me to be here, because just knowing the McDaniels' history, where they are coming from and the success that they have brought to Jamaica and the community moves and touches and inspires and I am glad to be here," she said.
PRESENTATIONS
Throughout the day, there were presentations of school supplies and towards the afternoon there was a magic show, which proceeded the concert with a gospel segment. Artistes Goddy Goddy and Prodigal Son performed in the religious segment. Other artistes included Assassin, Voice Mail, Ken Boothe, Chuck Fender, General Degree, Sammy Chin and Frisco Kid. The emcees for the event were Apache Chief and Sammy, as well as Lemon.
