Orville 'Shaggy' Burrell is all smiles as he looks at the birthday cards he received from senior medical officer at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, Dr Sonia Henry. The cards were made by some of the children at the hospital. - photos by Nashauna Drummond

It's good to know that the economic downturn has not affected the act of giving. This was evident at the launch of the now annual Shaggy and Friends Concert, at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, on Wednesday.

Orville 'Shaggy' Burrell said that though last year's concert was a success, there is still more work to be done.

The event slated for January 2, 2010, on the lawns of Jamaica House, has some of the biggest local artistes and a few international friends down to perform. Shaggy promises that the show will be kept compact with the artistes performing their biggest hits so the audience can sing along.

"It's for a good cause, but we want to laugh and smile throughout the whole thing," he said.

New Section

This year, a special section of 'platinum seats' has been added. This is a super executive all-access skybox, and tickets for this section cost $30,000!

There will also be a pre-party event at Fiction Night Lounge and an after-party at the Fiction tent at the venue on the night of the concert for persons not ready to go home when the show is over.

There will also be a special red carpet for Jamaicans who want to be seen.

Shaggy has been able to open the hearts and purses of corporate Jamaica. From proceeds of the 2009 concert, he recently donated 71 pieces of equipment to the hospital valued at US$250,000. At Wednesday's launch, corporate entities Digicel, Scotiabank, Sagicor, Restaurants of Jamaica, Wisynco and Stewart's Automotive Group, made cheque presentations totalling $11 million with commitments from a few other companies, including Red Stripe. However, there is still some way to go to reach the target of J$50 million. As noted by Dr Sonia Henry, senior medical officer at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, "By supporting the foundation you will be supporting the hospital to take care of our children."

Tanny Shirley, head of the South Eastern Regional Health Authority, and Paula-Anne Porter Jones had much to smile about at the launch.

(From left) Marjorie Borough, Nora May Desnoes and Sharon McConnell could be discussing the art of giving at the launch of the Shaggy Foundation's Shaggy and Friends 2010 concert.