Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

Yoli Mahtani (left) tries to convince Madhu Mahtani to purchase a beautiful bracelet. - photos by Janet Silvera

WESTERN BUREAU:In the past year, five of the children suffering from HIV/AIDS and for whom Michelle Daswani, Elisabeth Simonitsch, Fernanda Hofer and Yoli Mahtani raise funds, lost their battle with the disease.

But last Wednesday afternoon, the four philanthropists won the hearts of over 200 patrons who turned out in support of their fund-raising Holiday Bazaar and Luncheon at Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall, in Montego Bay.

"When you look at the children's wish list, it's very sad. They want things like a walker, a mosquito net, a fan," said Elisabeth Simonitsch, as she spoke passionately about the children, aged four months to 12 years old, whose condition has affected her own children.

"My children said to me, Mommy we don't need any Christmas presents, we want the children who don't have anything to receive what we would have received."

supporting children

The fund-raiser, founded by Noa Jensch, is in its third year and supports children in hospices in St James and orphans at the SOS Children's Village.

"Noa would be proud to see the over 20 vendors who are here this year," noted Michelle Daswani as she counted the money collected from the auction, led by auctioneer, Robin Delisser.

The items on display ranged from clothing in three categories, resort, casual and designer wear, with Sandra Kennedy, Mahek Chatani and Paul Thakurani taking the spotlight.

Joan Lee showcased antiques and artwork, along with the West Indian Art Gallery, and Betty Glanville.

Vanisha Samtani and Flights of Fantasy had some of the most fabulous jewellery on display, while fortune teller, Jana Nitt, was a hit, reading palms, and Haixara Owen's Mexican exotic pottery was eye-catching.

Astrologer, Jana Nitt (left), bowled over the women who attended the Holiday Bazaar and Luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall, last Wednesday, and Sheila Khiatani was one of many who had to have her palm read by the tarrot reader.

Flights of Fantasy's Pattina Colquhoun shows off the fine jewellery that the company has to offer at the bazaar.

(From left) Pam Connolly, Gina and Micah Williams, and Vicki Stein at the Holiday Bazaar and Luncheon held at Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall in Montego Bay, last Wednesday.

From left: Fabiana Gosling, Martha Pickell, Maria Victoria Ruge, Susan Sondern and Claudia Guzman pose for our camera.