Adopt a ward with John and Jenny

Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Hard to believe, but it's been over 30 years since what started out as a gathering of friends became one of the island's biggest fund-raising initiatives.

The events in question are the legendary adopt-a-ward parties for the medical system hosted by TankWeld's John Greaves. Greaves explained to Outlook that "we used to go to Pigeon Island and we would cook together and drink. Every year, the crowd got bigger and bigger," he recalled. One year after a little snafu, he decided he wasn't doing it anymore, but friends encouraged him to charge for admission and "adopt a ward", donating the money to the medical system. And so the fund-raisers were born!

There are few hospitals that have not benefited from the proceeds of the event. Work has been done or equipment bought for institutions from Montego Bay to Portland. He said that usually, the needs of a particular health-care facility are spread via word of mouth. And it's not just 'major' facilities either, the odd clinic and health centre also receiving aid. He is proud that all 100 per cent of the proceeds go to the hospital of choice every time.

Millions in donations

"It's no part-proceeds things," Greaves joked. He estimated that from inception to now, the parties might have garnered millions of US dollars in donations, considering the change in the economy over the decades. The St Ann's Bay Hospital is the beneficiary this time and when quizzed about a target, Greaves simply put it "they need as much as possible".

Usually, the event is held at the beach but over time, they went for variety with the venues. This year's event will be held next Sunday at the Grog Shoppe from noon to 6 p.m. and Greaves said: "We're starting on time and leaving on time. It's 6 p.m. not 6:01," he said in his usual jolly tone. As with all adopt-a-ward events, he is promising "food and drink from the time you arrive to the time you leave. But you can't take any with you unless you've eaten it already," he laughed. Admission is $6,000 presold (pick them up at Total Travel or Tank-Weld) and $7,000 at the gate.

He admitted that it's difficult to just "go out and beg anything these days" but his regular sponsors found it hard to say no to him. To recognise their continued support, Greaves said he writes a personal thank you to all sponsors, showing the results of the donations.

"That way, they can see where their money has gone."