A member of the Upliftment Jamaica Cultural Group caught in their invigorating performance. - photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

The future of Upliftment Jamaica surely looks bright. At the organisation's glitzy sixth annual gala and fund-raiser, held last Saturday at the old Goodyear Factory in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, millions of dollars were pledged towards their cause.

Upliftment Jamaica chairman, Gary Foster, was on top of the world as, throughout the night, international business leaders and corporate Jamaica dug deep into their pockets to make monetary pledges.

Held under the theme, 'Accepting Responsibility and Its Challenges', it can be said that the gala fulfilled its main aim of raising funds for the organisation's many programmes.

David Hall, chief executive officer of Digicel, pledged $5 million towards the organisation development in the parish. "When we heard about the work of Upliftment Jamaica we could not resist assisting, as this organisation is fulfilling its purpose in the community," said Hall.

Signing

After this announcement, Foster signed a memorandum of understanding with Dr. Emmanuel Oritsejafor, international programme director at the North Carolina Central University in the United States of the America. The signed deal with the university is to provide training in five different areas of study to the people of St. Thomas through Upliftment Jamaica.

Another announcement was also made that Marketlinkx Direct, out of the U.S., is opening a 500-seat call centre in the parish.

Later on, DJ Bounty Killer also contributed $500,000, proceeds from the 'Saddle To The East' stage show held during the summer holidays.

"A promise made and a promise fulfilled," said Mr. Foster.

Upliftment Jamaica, based in the Whitehorses community of the parish, creates and provides outstanding opportunities through health, education, entreprenuership and sports to the people of the parish.

Keep contributions coming

Two of the famous international celebrities who flew into the island for Upliftment Jamaica's sixth annual gala were Russell Simmons (left), of Phat Farm, and Stan Lathan (second right), Hollywood movie director. Here they share a warm hug with Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Gary Foster.

Hence, Foster in between smiles of joy asked guests to keep the contributions coming. The gala's elite guest list included: Foster's boss, Russell Simmons of Phat Farm, Stan Lathan, Hollywood movie director, Benjamin ChavisJr., president and chief executive officer of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, Bernard Hopkin, retired world boxing champ, and 15 United States-based doctors.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller in her keynote address thanked the individuals who have contributed to the growth of the organisation. "Thank you for investing in the people of St. Thomas and this great place called Jamaica," said Mrs. Simpson Miller.

A number of community stalwarts including Yvonne Chin who donated 100 acres of land for farming to the organisation, were honoured at the gala.

Towards the end of the fund- raiser guests received Phat Farm hobo bags that contained Baby Phat trinkets. The gala was the culmination of a week of activities, including community tours and a cocktail party in honour of a list of American celebrities.