Major Sheila Booth (left) being greeted by Commissioner Judith Houghton.

It was a night to celebrate the achievements of the Salvation Army's Eastern Jamaica Division's 120 years of service to Jamaica. And friends of the christian organisation, corporate Jamaica and members of the 'army' did just that on Wednesday night at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. The annual fund-raising dinner also featured a silent auction of a wide variety of items.

And to help the Salvation Army celebrate in fine style was Lord Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Olympic Games 2012. He praised Jamaica's contribution to track and field as greater per capita than most other participating countries.

Lord Coe made a strong case for Jamaican support of the 16-day event but, more important, he said the 2012 games should be used to encourage the youth to take up sports and leave a lasting legacy for others.

"The real challenge is to make what we do relevant to young people," said Lord Coe, whose athletic career began at age 12.

He lauded the efforts of the Jamaican Amateur Athletic Association and urged them to continue developing and nurturing new talent.

Olympian Cathy Rattray hangs out with her cousin, Kurt Rattray, at the dinner.

Dr Barbara Munske has the full attention of Robert MacMillan (right) and British High Commissioner Jeremy Cresswell at the Salvation Army dinner and silent auction, held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Wednesday night. - Photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

Guest speaker, Lord Sebastian Coe, caught in a pensive mood during dinner.

This painting, up for auction at the Salvation Army fund-raising dinner, holds the attention of Norman Marshall.

Anup Chandiram (left) from Bijoux Jewellers chats with Matthew Pragnell, chairman of CGM Insurance Brokers Limited.

Jennifer Scott (left) converses with friends, Harry and Rebecca Harper.