Denise Reid, Gleaner Writer

Shelly Hoon-Keith strikes a pretty pose at the Sugar Cane Ball. Her lovely dress is from South Africa, while her bracelets are from Mozambique, but the dainty coconut purse is Jamaican-made. - photos by Denise Reid

WESTERN BUREAU:

When one thinks fabulous, the annual Sugar Cane Ball hosted at the Round Hill Hotel and Villas in aid of the Hanover Charities comes to mind.

With an unforgettable African feel, the venue was filled with the sounds of drums. Bunches of sugar cane, neatly tied, adorned lawns and walkways completing the exotic safari-themed 'Starlight on the Serengeti'.

Having raised US$159,605 last year, the ball, which is reputed to be the largest one-night charity event in the island, continues to grow bigger every year. Proceeds help to better the lives of Hanoverians through education, community, health and other welfare activities.

Appetites were satiated with a scrumptious dinner, while the silent auction which featured high-end items saw many eager bidders.

The charismatic managing director of the Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Josef Forstmayr, presided over the raffle. Patrons eagerly waited for the results, as prizes included a Jorg Bucherer wristwatch and three nights in the British Virgin Islands.

Guests

Patrons included: first lady Lorna Golding, style king Ralph Lauren and lovely wife Ricky, AOL's Bob and Veronique Pittman, heavyweight boxing champ Lennox Lewis and his wife Violet; United States Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson; Paola Byles, chairperson of the Hanover Charities; Catrin Casserly and husband Patrick, Christopher and Michelle Bovell; Mark and Paula Kerr-Jarrett, Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica Jesús Silva, among others.

From left: Mike Gatewood and Cindy Gatewood are the perfect pair, and complementing them at the Sugar Cane Ball is the debonair businessman, Patrick Casserly.

Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica, Jesús Silva (right), and former president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, Mark Kerr-Jarrett, are quite dapper.

Making a fabulous quartet are, from left, Philip Sassower, Edward Falkenberg, Tryall chairperson of the Sugar Cane Ball, Patricia Falkenberg and Mark Sassower.