|
. .
St. George's College
. |
Good & True ...issue# 47...November, 2006
For the price, there is no Fundraiser event in Toronto with comparable entertainment or prize values. Who could beat our line up of artists including David Rudder, the electrifying soca/calypso singer of the century; Toronto's own dynamic R&B and soul singer Jay Douglas and Jamaica's number one Fab 5 band? Link these with prizes consisting of air travel tickets for two to Trinidad; same for Jamaica; one week for two at Breezes Runaway Bay, and a week for two at Beaches Boscobel and a plasma hi definition Hitachi TV, plus more, and we had much to attract for what has become the most sought-after social event of the caribana weekend. No wonder we had over one thousand and fifty dancing and prancing revellers. MC extraordinaire Neil Dalhouse introduced our President Daniel HoLung who welcomed all present, and after a sumptuous meal, the evening came to life with David Rudder, followed by the soothing Jay Douglas, which led into the versatile Fab 5. Gracing us with their presence were the Honourable Mary Anne Chambers, Minister of Youth Services, Ontario and her husband Chris; Ms Anne-Marie Bonner, Jamaica’s Consul General in Toronto (ICHS Alumna); Ms. Wendy Straker, Barbados Consul General Barbados in Toronto. Heading the list of distinguished old boys in attendance was the Most Reverend Lawrence Burke, S.J, Archbishop of Kingston, Jamaica and former headmaster of the school, and his sister Madge Burke. It was also great to have with us Dennis Barnett, President of the Florida Chapter, who brought up a group of Florida old boys and their wives. Spotted Michael Lee Chin, an avid supporter in the crowd. Prominent Jamaica Government dignitaries in attendance were: the Honourable Robert Pickersgill, MP, Minister of Housing, Transport and Works; Hon. Wykeham McNeil, State Minister of Tourism and Olivia Babsy Grange, Deputy Leader of the Opposition JLP. This is our one big once-a-year fundraiser event for the school and though we Georgians may have to dig a bit into the pocket, rather than just requesting a one-time donation annually to the school, we endeavour to make the evening event chock full of value for the money spent and, as well, draw a wider circle of supporters, many with no ties to the school. They have been willing to pay for the entertainment value over the years, so should we, and moreso for the added reason that this is our event and it’s all for our beloved alma mater. What a time was had by all! The pictures speak for themselves. Many Thanks to all who have supported us so strongly over the years, allowing us to send over five million Jamaica dollars to the school over the past ten years. We are so grateful for the efforts of our teams of raffle ticket sellers and also our executive who were willing to forego much of the evening festivities to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all our guests. Our special thanks to our sponsors: CI Investments, Senvia Money Transfer, Peoples Telecom and RBC Royalbank and our donors Superclubs, Air Jamaica, BWIA, Beaches Boscobel, Hitachi Canada, Grace Kennedy, Niceys, Spa Eden, Jamaica College OBA Toronto. Robbie Vernon
This year's family picnic was great. There was lots of food, and fun, and no shortage of some delicious yardie cuisine - mackerel and banana, ackee and salt fish, yam and dumpling and much more. The activities were fun. The races were very competitive but resulted in a great rivalry between StGC and Alpha as Immaculate failed to win any of their races. Well, the stage is set for next year. It was a beautiful day and so was the unity between all three chapters. The feel of family was contagious and clearly evident as we all cheered vigorously for those who participated in all the races. The kids had a ball. Our big thanks to our Immaculate and Alpha colleagues - Yvonne Lew and Katie Sani for the name tags; Karen Yee and Patricia Campbell for the numerous picnic signs and also balloons identifying the festive picnic area. A great time was had by all. Well, next year promises to be bigger and better. John Flynn and Richard Saunders (StGC executives) were appointed to head up next year’s event, along with our sister chapters. Look out! There will be many more new races, prizes for the kids and the winner between Alpha, StGC or ICHS will take home a championship trophy. What's a picnic without some soccer? There will be an exhibition soccer match between our current soccer team and an assortment of StGC old boys. Stay tuned for location and time. Tel yu bredda, tel yu sista dem mus cum out next year and hang wid family. Richard Saunders
At last!! This was the view of the entire Ontario executive, who was anxious to reciprocate for the wonderful hospitality extended by the Florida Georgians over the years. We think of the many trips for the soccer tournament, the Florida Ball and the way Dennis & Donna Barnett and his Florida group, especially Dennis and Patsy Chung have rolled out the red carpet when we visited. Our Summer Ball on Friday, August 5th provided the springboard for activities to entertain our Florida visitors. On Thursday, August 3rd was the golf Tournament at Glen Watson arranged for our avid Florida golfer friends. President Danny HoLung and VP Patrick Haddad led the Challenge against Fla. President Dennis Barnett and his ace Philip Wong. Howie Williams, Ray Jackson, Louis Lee all turned in good games. Jimmy Lai Tyam won, with runner up Tony Wong. The statistics are unimportant - right, Danny! But you were the most honest golfer. It was a fun day for all. Friday, of course, was the main attraction and the group was there prancing up and down with the other 1,100 revelers at the grand Ball. On Saturday, after the Ball, the last phase of the round of packaged treats of entertainment for the Florida visitors and other out of towners took place. Thanks Ray & Donette for being such gracious hosts and providing the venue for the Ontario executive, other loyal local supporters and their partners to meet and greet our out-of-town Georgian friends. What a beautiful setting and exquisite meal. The ceremonial cutting and sharing of the huge StGC cake brought together in a poignant way these strong Jamaican, Ontarian and Floridian stakeholders of the school. Archbishop Burke didn't fare too well in the putting contest, which Danny HoLung nearly pulled out of the bag. Neil Dalhouse and Ray sifted through the pool of putting talent, found the men wanting, but the ladies did a super job. Who can forget Donna Barnett's super putt. The whole week of activities certainly went to show that we are serious about raising funds for the school, but shows at the same time that Georgians know how to have fun together, and this camaraderie is just as important. Robbie Vernon
Top Of Page |
