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Whopping $345K raised by Rotary Club of Tortola!

- Makes VI history with largest fundraiser
'Grand Affairs' committee Past Presidents (L-R) Mr Percy Rhoden, Mrs Lorna G. Smith, and Mr Gerard St. C. Farara QC being congratulated by current president Henry O. Creque for leading the team which resulted in the successful outcome of the event. Photo: VINO
Those responsible for the night's food take a bow. Photo: Provided
Those responsible for the night's food take a bow. Photo: Provided
Some guests on arrival at the event. Photo: Provided
Some guests on arrival at the event. Photo: Provided
Mr Omar W. Hodge and Miss BVI 2013 Rosanna K. Chichester were part of the audience. Photo: Provided
Mr Omar W. Hodge and Miss BVI 2013 Rosanna K. Chichester were part of the audience. Photo: Provided
 Mr David D. Archer and Mr Julien N. Johnson were the MCs for the night. Photo: Provided
Mr David D. Archer and Mr Julien N. Johnson were the MCs for the night. Photo: Provided
Governor John S. Duncan and Wife Mrs Ann Marie Duncan, Premier D. Orlando Smith and Wife Mrs Lorna G. Smith and Mr Henry O. Creque poses with the moco-jumbie dancers. Photo: Provided
Governor John S. Duncan and Wife Mrs Ann Marie Duncan, Premier D. Orlando Smith and Wife Mrs Lorna G. Smith and Mr Henry O. Creque poses with the moco-jumbie dancers. Photo: Provided
Looking all smart and dashing are Ms Lynette L. Harrigan and Mr Henry O. Creque and his wife. Photo: Provided
Looking all smart and dashing are Ms Lynette L. Harrigan and Mr Henry O. Creque and his wife. Photo: Provided
Part of the cultural entertainment of the night's event. Photo: Provided
Part of the cultural entertainment of the night's event. Photo: Provided
The outgoing President of the Rotary Club of Tortola, Mr Henry O. Creque (2nd from left), has issued the challenge to those who would be tasked with organising and executing the fundraising event in 2016 to give it their 'best shot'. In photo he poses with the team from Guana Island who were also recognised supporters of the event. Photo: VINO
The outgoing President of the Rotary Club of Tortola, Mr Henry O. Creque (2nd from left), has issued the challenge to those who would be tasked with organising and executing the fundraising event in 2016 to give it their 'best shot'. In photo he poses with the team from Guana Island who were also recognised supporters of the event. Photo: VINO
Several other persons were also recognized for the sterling contributions to the night's event including staff attached to Governor's House. Photo: VINO
Several other persons were also recognized for the sterling contributions to the night's event including staff attached to Governor's House. Photo: VINO
The event was held at Governor's House and in returning thanks the club presented the wife of Governor John S. Duncan, Mrs Ann Marie Duncan (left), with a fresh bouquet of flowers. Photo: VINO
The event was held at Governor's House and in returning thanks the club presented the wife of Governor John S. Duncan, Mrs Ann Marie Duncan (left), with a fresh bouquet of flowers. Photo: VINO
Part of the decoration that added to the ambiance of the night's event. Photo: Provided
Part of the decoration that added to the ambiance of the night's event. Photo: Provided
WICKHAM’s CAY, Tortola, VI – With standing ovation, the team tasked with the responsibility of staging the 2015 leg of the Rotary Club of Tortola’s Grand Affair fundraiser event, members and special guests to their usual Thursdays’ lunch meeting, were applauded as it was announced officially for the first time on March 5, 2015 that the club raked in some $345, 000.

At the helm of that committee were Past Presidents Mr Gerard St. C. Farara QC, Mrs Lorna G. Smith and Mr Percy Rhoden who were ably assisted by a number of sub-committee members. As the report was given yesterday, Mr Farara noted that the event can safely be considered “The Mother of all Grand Affairs – the grandest of grands in every respect and by all standards,” as they exceeded their own expectations.

The event was held over the past weekend at Governor’s House which, according to Mr Farara, has never looked so good in its décor as the ‘East meet West’ theme took full effect. He reported that this year, which saw the placement of some 15 tables, each carrying 10 seats, added to the success of the night as the tables were individually sponsored by persons and businesses alike.

Before the event even got off on Saturday night the club had received donations amounting to $190, 000. On the night itself, apart from the monies raised from the blind auctions, they collected $50, 000.

“I was debating if I should say it but I am going to say it. This sends a message out to the community at large in the BVI and those few organisations who have hesitated to contribute – join the successful train, its rolling… you will be recognised and it will do well… do not allow your budget to limit your contribution to the society which is supporting your business, do not allow your budgeted amounts to donations to limit your contribution to society that is supporting your business,” he said to a loud round of applause as he made it clear also that his statement was not intended to any of the Rotary members who were present at  yesterday’s luncheon meeting.

Prior to the event, the Rotary club of Tortola had already set eyes on a number of projects that funds raised will go towards and topping the list was the construction of a brand new facility for Youth Empowerment, the completion of the equipping of the Neo-Natal unit at Peebles Hospital, the furtherance of the ‘Baby think it over’ programme for secondary schools girls and boys, among other significant programmes.

“We have some specific, although not exclusive, initiatives for this year’s Grand Affair and Auction which will be held under the patronage of His Excellency The Governor, John S. Duncan OBE and Mrs Anne Marie Duncan at Government House on Saturday, February 28, 2015. We are going to support the creation of a Youth Empowerment Centre in Purcell Estate on Tortola (akin to the very successful YEP at the eastern end of Tortola) for which we expect to apply and receive a matching Global Grant from the Rotary Foundation,” Mr Farara had said at a press conference.

In giving the report, Mr Farara was very loud in praise to the many persons who would have contributed in some way or the other to making the event the success it was. He was especially pleased also with the number of youths from schools, including the Elmore Stout High School who made their presence felt as they turned out to assist in the decoration of the venue. The challenge is now out to the team that will take on the promotion come 2016 under the presidency of Mr Julien N. Johnson, the incoming president.

21 Responses to “Whopping $345K raised by Rotary Club of Tortola!”

  • xxxxxxxx (06/03/2015, 08:29) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    After that divisive speech at Stoutt event I see Lorna trying to make a comeback…we need some more time to warm up to her again!!
  • !!!! (06/03/2015, 09:04) Like (3) Dislike (27) Reply

    One things about those (clubs) local or none local them dose always gain - You can gain 2 way's by the blessings of god or buy the curst of devil. reality fact & knowing the devil own the money his employees will get paid more constant & his event's more support than other's.

    some people can't sit there & say that this club ain't a part of the Illuminati _ Guess what, they part of the club.
    research them - look at their logo, look into the history of they symbols, then no longer hiding anymore.

    Stay a way from clubs you don't know the history about, don't be blind by the cover up world (charity)

    • . (06/03/2015, 09:20) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Whatever.

      Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Tortola and all the persons who contributed to this fundraiser.

      It would have been nice to see in the story who the primary beneficiaries are going to be.
    • weed (06/03/2015, 09:39) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      too much want to be
      • @Weed (06/03/2015, 10:01) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        Weed. What do you want to be? Not when, but IF you ever grow up. Struupss
    • can't believe (07/03/2015, 07:55) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @!!!! Your ignorance is glowing!! Perhaps you should take the time to research the history of Rotary and enlighten yourself before you comment!!
  • fish mooney (06/03/2015, 09:26) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Nice to see UNCLE TOMRY is not dead lol just look at them.."here is some flowers MASA", "Please shake my hand MASA I will feel accomplished""I know I'm light skinned and I hate melanin MASA" lol. MODERN DAY BOJANGLES ALL OF THEM.
    • Yes (06/03/2015, 12:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Get back to your desk and do the people work. You are a 9-5er here trying to play gangsta, boy please! What is more Uncle TOMRY than sitting behind a desk pushing paper and buying a few name brand material to look cool? LOL!
      • fish mooney (06/03/2015, 15:20) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        And what is more funny is some over the hill broad way past her prime commenting about who pushing paper at a 9-5. Or worst the dude with the degrees and income yet your broad fantasy is getting "CUT" by a G. In fact the feed us with your money lol.
  • lmao (06/03/2015, 09:30) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    What Doc have on in that pic? A Karl Kani pants? Doc baggy like MC Hammer...LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
  • wize up (06/03/2015, 09:34) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
    345K; who investigates where these funds actually comes from by these donors (not hating just asking...donating and money laundering just might go hand-in-hand..who vex vex!!!! money laundering comes in all forms these days but we have become so greedy for that dollar(s) no-one have enough balls to question these hand-outs !!!!!!...do not misunderstand me; I am simply asking a question
  • paul (06/03/2015, 10:31) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Do not forget that the rich is getting rich from ripping off the poor they work them like slaves and pay them the shells from the peanut they can go show off when they done treat their workers unfair.
  • rotary killing us (06/03/2015, 12:09) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    As an outside organization its hard to get sponsor, every body we go to have already given to rotary and we cant get anything, plus they give everything to yep and programs afiliated to members of rotary, this is crazy
  • joe (06/03/2015, 15:51) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    putting the politics aside mrs,smith looks real hot.
  • uncle sam (06/03/2015, 21:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The police aint gonna check some of them who donating these large sum of money but becuz i have a couple hundred thou in my name they checking me to see where i get it from just becuz i aint in a suit and tie.
  • can't believe (07/03/2015, 08:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is really sad to read all these negative, mean, rude and nasty comments from people with a mentality that will forever keep them from progressing in life.
    One comment from "rotary killing us" I ask you to please list the programs that Rotary has contributed to, that are affiliated to Rotarians. It's comments like these that the weak minded hold on to and believe. Please take some time to learn about all the good the Rotary Clubs in the BVI and worldwide, have done and continue to do to help those in need. Let us stop looking for the negative and try to build each other up!
    • Music (07/03/2015, 10:55) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Nevertheless it is true that other charities seeking donations are often told that Rotary beat them to it. The last year or so it seems that BVI society has got "charity giving fatigue" and it is harder and harder to get donations. Whilst good for Rotary's charities, this huge amount puts pressure on other fund raising. I expect a lot of this money comes from companies charity budgets rather than individuals.
  • how sad (07/03/2015, 16:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is this what this community is about? What a very sad state of affairs when we can never think of anything positive to say. What message are we sending out to the world? how very sad....


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