Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer

MANDEVILLE, Manchester:THE MANDEVILLE Regional Hospital and Fire Station are set to benefit from proceeds from the Mandeville Rotary Club's signature fund-raising event, which was held last Sunday.

The Rotary Roast, which was held at the Brooks Park Recreation Complex in the parish capital, was the 25th staging of the event.

President-elect of the club, Pauline Channer said, "We do projects such as this to uplift the communities in general. This year, we are raising funds for the fire station, because in Mandeville, we have serious problems with water and especially when we have fires that can be tragic."

She added: "We sat down with the fire department and discussed some of their needs. What we aim to do is provide small accessories and equipment for them such as a portable pump, and any other areas that will enhance their efficiency in their duties."

Channer said that the Rotary Club will also be continuing its partnership with the Mandeville Regional Hospital. "The list is endless of what we have done for the Mandeville hospital," she said. "Recently, we provided prostate screening equipment and we will be providing assistance for the prenatal clinic."

worthy venture

The Rotary Roast, as in previous years, was a fabulous family affair with people from Mandeville and surrounding areas turning out in their numbers to support the worthy venture.

Patrons were treated to some scrumptious meals done at the newly constructed barbecue pit at Brooks Park, which was built by the Rotary Club. There was also a popular pastry corner, which had goodies from MegaMart.

The crowd was well entertained by the dynamic Jamvybz All Star Band. There was also a fashion show segment, which had Miss Middlesex Jamaica World Sheena Drummond and Miss Festival Queen Victoria Cole strutting their stuff onstage as well as a magician and a fire dancer.

The entertainment package climaxed with the appearance of recording artistes Tami Chynn who set the place on fire with a lively set that had the crowd on its feet.

The kiddies were not to be left out and had a 'ball' on the various rides, which included the bounceabout and the Ferris wheel.

"The Rotary Club of Mandeville will be continuing on its path of improving health care and education in Manchester," Channer said. "We have done in the past projects such as Hatfield Primary and Junior High where we have added classrooms. We have done work at the Woodlawn School of Special Education and the New Green Primary and Junior High. We basically have added classrooms, computer labs and perimeter fences or any other area that needs improving."

rural@gleanerjm.com