A BIG Thank you to Glenn McBride for his continued support. He maintains the website and has once again donated his time and talent to Friends of Jamaica. He devoted a big chunk of his time to setting up our Pay Pal account and creating the Reggae on the Rock page prior to the benefit. He continues to make updates as we come up with them. He also makes great contributions in an “advisory” role, for changes we need to make.
I went into the benefit planning process determined to raise some money, and that we did – to the tune of $3000! But I also went into the project as a “newbie” to fundraising. I got a lot of help and mentoring from my friend Anita Papich, Past District Governor of Rotary District 6420. (I am a Rotarian in Loves Park, IL) At times during the months leading up to the benefit, I felt overwhelmed by the enormity of what it takes to put on something like this. But thanks to the support of my husband, my friends, my relatives, and the Negril.com “boardies” the day was a success. If you haven’t looked at the Negril.com message board, give it a try. But be forewarned – you might become addicted “boardies” like many of us.
The venue for Reggae on the Rock was the lovely Mauh Nah Tee See Country Club. The day that started with clouds and a misting rain turned into a sunny, bright afternoon and gave way to a gorgeous, starry night. About 75 guests enjoyed the day. The opening band was The Dean Moriarty Jazz group. My dear, longtime and musically gifted friend, Clyde Cole, organized the group. He started with 2 members of the Dean Moriarty Jazz Band and added some of his equally gifted friends to form a group that never formally played together before the event. The entire audience was astounded to learn that fact after listening to the very polished and enjoyable, smooth jazz.
The Ark Band was the highlight of the event. I can’t say enough about the talent of this group! They were a crowd pleaser, keeping the dance floor occupied most of the afternoon with familiar Reggae and Soca, and many original tunes. If you haven’t looked at their website, please check it out at www.thearkband.com. Listen to their music at the website and then buy a CD. You won’t be disappointed – I love mine. Their latest release should be available very soon.
The silent auction was a crowd pleaser this year. There were over 54 items for auction, thanks to the wonderful response of my husband, my friends, the Negril.com “boardies,” and my fellow Rotarians. A plan is being considered for having an online auction next year. I would like to have items from Negril and Jamaica for auction. They might include coupons for dinners, hotel stays, and transportation, for example. The most popular items at this year’s auction were the Bob Marley Collector’s album, the Rum Cream and the aged Appleton rum.
The 50/50 raffle brought in $176 for the lucky winner. The main raffle drawing was also a success. The first prize went to a traveler who has never been to Jamaica before. She and her husband have always gone to Mexico. So we hope to have 2 more people hooked on Negril and Jamaica in the very near future. The second prize vacation at the Velas Vallarta in Mexico went to someone you have read about in the past. Sara was featured in the last newsletter. She and her friends helped complete the Orange Bay Basic School project after a very successful fundraiser at her work place. Her report, with pictures, should be ready soon! I will share it with you in a future newsletter.
The third raffle prize of $200 went to a new “Friend of Jamaica” attending the event. She was part of the group of Rockford area Jamaicans who are very excited to know there is a charity like Friends of Jamaica so close to home. They are also looking forward to participating in next year’s benefit.
Plans are underway already for next year’s benefit. Tentative plans include holding the event on a Saturday night, at a venue nearby a large choice of hotels for guests spending the night in Rockford. We hope to have the Ark Band as the headliner again. I will be welcoming everyone’s input through a survey at the website in the near future. I hope you will take a few moments to take the survey.
For those of you who contributed to this year’s benefit – Thank You!!
For those of you who would still like to make a donation, or buy some Kids Kards (Christmas will be here before you know it) please go to the donate page now.
Marcia Burke
Director
TOGETHER WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
