Tue | Dec 16, 2025

Hard-working Friends of Devon House see benefits

Published:Sunday | November 3, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Pause
Catching up for a quick moment after participating in the silent auction are the fab Beverly Anderson Duncan (right) and the lovely Geneive Brown Metzger.
The ladies behind the Friends of Devon House philanthropic committee: (from left, back row) Nadine Newell, Jean Lowrie-Chin, V. Sonya Parchment, Beverley Levy, Diana Gibson, Celeste Gordon, and Janette Stewart. Front row, from left: Maxine Hogarth-Spence, Gloria Palomino and Marilyn Bennett.
Minister Wykeham McNeill (centre) embraces Marilyn Bennett, chairman of the Friends of Devon House philanthropic committee, and Janette Taylor, executive director of Devon House Development Limited.
These three gents took a moment to catch up during the five-course meal. From left: Richard Byles, Wykeham McNeill, and Danny Williams.
Members of the philanthropic committee, Maxine Hogarth-Spence (left) and Janette Stewart, said hello to our lens at the grand affair.
1
2
3
4
5

On the East Lawn of the Devon House two Thursdays ago, an Ann-Marie Wyss creation welcomed the more than 150 guests to 'A Great House Affair', the Friends of Devon House Elegant Dinner and Silent Auction. The dinner has now become a calendar event, being the group's flagship fundraiser.

Under the starry skies, patrons were treated to cocktails in the formal gardens at the front of the mansion before making their way to their tables for the five-course feast from a number of local culinary experts. What was most interesting to note about the social gathering was the change in roles when it came to the dress code. The gents were dapperly clad in suits, albeit some forfeited the neckties but still managed to look smart nonetheless while a few ladies dropped the ball for the black-tie event.

During the course of the dinner, MC Aggrey Irons urged the guests at intervals to participate in the silent auction on the patio of the mansion. Paintings, a trip to London, courtesy of British Airways, gift baskets and a few orchids, as well as a weekend stay at the Jewel Resort were a few of the items being put up for grabs for the patrons who paid $10,000 per ticket for the charity dinner.

The event, however, had a few unforeseen glitches that were quickly and graciously dealt with. The event had seating to accommodate more than 150 persons while only close to 100 persons RSVP'd. As the night drew on, the event was now at full capacity, but the guests were still strolling in. The lady organisers of the committee quickly offered up their seats to those in waiting and remained on their feet, gliding throughout the aisles to ensure that all were comfortable.

Chairman of the Friends of Devon House Committee Marilyn Bennett introduced the hard-working team to those in attendance while at the same time giving an overview as to the reason and cause behind the dinner, the auction and the formation of the committee, to ensure the preservation of the Devon House legacy so that generations to come can enjoy all that it has to offer.

Proceeds from all fundraising activities are targeted to various projects for the Devon House property, which are determined in accordance with the board and management of Devon House.

Photos by Colin Hamilton/Photographer