The Grand Bahama Children's Fundraising Committee has been meeting since the summer working on plans for their annual fundraiser for the home. This year the home will mark 30 years of caring for over 2,000 abandoned or neglected children in our community. Under the theme "Memories...a string of Pearls" the committee will host a Gala Cocktail Party at Our Lucaya Crescent pool on October the 15th. Pictured at last week's meeting are some of the GBCH committee (left to right) Sarah Kirkby, Norma Headly, Jean Hivert, Geneva Rutherford, Sheila Smith, Brenname Rolle-Cooper and Caron Smith. (Not pictured are Lesley Davies-Baptista, Lynne Fraino, Lillian Quant-Forbes, Derick King and Phil Carey)
By Sarah Kirkby
Freeport, Bahamas - For the last three decades, the Grand Bahama Children’s Home has been providing a protected, caring environment for children who have been abandoned, abused and neglected. In 30 years, more than 2,000 children have passed through the doors of the Home. In recognition of this milestone, the GBCH Committee has announced plans for an anniversary fundraiser and celebration.
The 30th anniversary cocktail reception is being held on Friday, October 15th at the crescent pool of the Radisson at Our Lucaya Resort. The event will be held under the patronage of Her Excellency Lady Joan Foulkes. The celebration begins at 7:30 p.m. under the theme ‘ Memories…..A String of Pearls, Celebrating 30 years with The Grand Bahama Children’s Home’.
“The committee is very honored that Lady Foulkes accepted our invitation to be the patron of our 30th anniversary cocktail reception. Lady Foulkes shares our passion for children and charity work,” said Sheila Smith, GBCH Executive Committee Member. “Further, we are very excited that Our Lucaya has partnered with us on this fundraising event. Everything is coming together perfectly and we anticipate a spectacular night of celebrating past accomplishments and preparing for future work.”
The 30th Anniversary celebration promises to be an unforgettable evening of incredible food, entertainment and fun! There will be live performances of musical selections from different Broadway shows under the direction of Gloria McGlone. In addition, six of Grand Bahama’s reigning beauty queens will be welcoming guests and modeling jewelry from Colombian Emeralds International who is providing an exquisite jewelry set as a raffle prize. All attendees will be offered a glass of wine courtesy of Bristol Wines and Spirits and Our Lucaya has prepared an amazing menu of hot and cold appetizers, pastas, a carving station and desserts.
The committee encourages the residents of Grand Bahama to attend its special 30th Anniversary celebration and lend much needed support for the Home. The GBCH depends heavily on private and corporate community to keep its doors open and the success of this fundraiser is vital to its operation. It costs over $300,000 per year to operate the Home – which provides 24/7 care for up to 40 children – ranging from infants, boys and girls up to the age of 12. Previously, the Government grant provided for $150,000 per annum; however, this was recently reduced by $25,000 due to budgetary cuts. This leaves over $175,000 to be raised from private and corporate donations and fundraising events for basic operating expenses, food, clothing and supplies. The committee is hoping to raise $25,000 at the 30th Anniversary celebration. The committee has also invited Grand Bahama schools and churches to participate and support the Home with a dress up day at school and a special collection taken at church to help raise awareness and funds.
Tickets are $75 in advance, $80 at the door, and include incredible hors d’oeuvres & desserts from Our Lucaya, a glass of wine, entertainment and dancing. Tickets can be purchased at The Seventeen Shop, Barefoot Marketing, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce and The Grand Bahama Port Authority. For more information about the event or on how you can assist the Home, please call 352-7852 and join friends and supporters of the Home on Facebook for more information and updates!
