Fund-raising for a cause

Four couples, one cause and an aim to help the less fortunate through the construction of the Hope Medical Centre on the grounds of the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Montego Bay by 2012.

Denny and Veena Chandiram, Mark and Candace Hart, Philipp and Fernanda Hofer and Kevin and Joanne Robertson threw an elaborate party on Saturday at the Coyaba Beach Resort in Montego Bay to raise funds to assist in the construction of the new facility that will further its charge to provide medical services for those in need but are not able to afford it.

At $7,500 per person for the Good Friends of Good Shepherd third annual block party on the beach, the well-attended event showcased the power of friends and philanthropy along with the will to make a difference and raise over $2 million for the construction of the new facility.

The Hope Medical Centre offers health, dental and optometry service and is a part of the Good Shepherd Foundation and is non-governmental and non-profit organisation that is focused on helping the indigent.

However, the medical centre has had to relocate three times in its 37-year history. Now, with a construction plan designed by Nancy Maffessanti of Maffessanti Builders, the Good Shepherd family is grateful to be moving into their permanent home in 2012 on the grounds to the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral.

The Good Shepherd Foundation operates the Sacred Heart Clinic, Blessed Assurance, Children of Hope, the Hope Hospice for the Dying, Jacob's Ladder, Holy Family Self-Help (Skills Training) Centre, Widow's Mite Home for Abandoned Children and the Good Shepherd Foundation Education Fund.