British Societies, AFJ host garden party

NEW YORK, NEW YORK :

The American Friends of Jamaica Inc (AFJ) teamed up with the St George's Society of New York - a British charitable organisation established to assist elderly and disabled residents of British and Commonwealth heritage in the New York area - at a fabulous summer garden party to raise much needed funds recently.

The British Societies encouraged participation in this event from diverse societies, and in so doing saw a record number of persons enjoying the evening at the Chelsea Close Theological Seminary Gardens.

The signature summer gathering was co-sponsored by the AFJ, the Jamaican Consulate, the American Scottish Foundation, the American British Project, British Schools and Universities Club, Daughters of the British Empire, English Speaking Union of New York, New York Caledonian Club, the Pilgrims of the United States, St Andrew's Society in the State of New York, the Order of St John and the St David's Society.

Strength in numbers

John Shannon, executive director and almoner of the St George's Society, said, "While New York has many British-related societies, associations and clubs, each with specific objectives and purposes, they seldom have the opportunity to co-sponsor an event for all their members to mingle and enjoy themselves and celebrate the historic ties. There is strength in numbers and in the aftermath of HM The Queen's visit, a great number of people will be celebrating Britain's cultural legacy to New York."

It was clear that the evening's garden party was indicative of greater things to come, and in that light, the AFJ anticipates deepening their relationship with the St George's Society, and other British Societies. To broaden its partnership, the AFJ invited the Jamaica Partnership for Education (JPE) of the Jamaica National family.

Executive director of the AFJ, Donnette Chambers, said, "This event marks the beginning of developing greater synergies with such a wide range of participants, and enhances the AFJ's ability to raise additional funds for educational charities in Jamaica."

The AFJ will host its annual fund-raiser on October 18. Discussions are under way to host a restaurant week featuring Jamaican cuisine with leading New York and Miami restaurateurs in a joint effort between the JPE and the AFJ to source much-needed funding and raise the levels of awareness for the financing of educational pursuits and platforms in Jamaica.

More information and details about these upcoming events can be found at www.theafj.org.