Flair turns 27 with Flairtatious

"It's called 'Flairtatious - Glamour Personified' and will be held on Saturday, October 22. We decided to target corporate individuals and all proceeds from Flairtatious will go to Mary's Child, a home for pregnant teens and part of the Mustard Seed Communities," said Lifestyle writer Latoya Grindley. Some of the girls at the home, currently located on North Street, are victims of rape, incest and/or broken homes.

Mary's Child cares for the girls, helps them care for their babies, as well as provides educational programmes. The aim is to give the girls some 'book' work as they are not able to attend school. But theyare also given an opportunity to learn skills such as cosmetology, thus providing a foundation when they either re-enter the school system or move on to the working world.

"We wanted to help an organisation that catered to women which is appropriate because Flair is a women's magazine. We also wanted a place that was close to our backyard, because The Gleaner has a history of giving back to its neighbours. Plus, Mary's Child also caters to the teens' babies and, who doesn't love children?" said Daviot Kelly, member of the Lifestyle team.

Aside from the party, Lifestyle is also appealing to the 'man in the street' to donate various items on Mary's Child's wish list.

"Everything they get is from donations, so they are always in need of diapers, maternity clothes, baby food, material for their arts programme and various other items," said Grindley. Mary's Child is also looking for volunteers to teach some of their programmes.

The Lifestyle team had much kudos for their sponsors, who they say never flinched in committing to the project. They include: J Wray & Nephew, Digicel, Tang, Eve, Maggi, Oasis on the Oxford, Island Grill, Best Dressed (Reggae Jammin), Kukup Creations, Café What's On, Décor All, Jamaica Standard Products, From Thought to Finish, Supreme Ventures, Tru-Juice, Guardsman Group, Coppershot, Renaissance, CPJ, LIME, Mother's, Wisynco, Jamaica Standard Products and the National Commercial Bank.

The party will be at the Guardsman Group Headquarters on Old Hope Road, right beside the commissioner's office. It starts at 8 p.m. and the Lifestyle team suggests patrons come out early as they will be adhering to the Noise Abatement Act. At $2,500, food and drink inclusive, Lifestyle believes patrons are getting value for money, while still enabling the team to come up with a 'substantial' donation to Mary's Child. Team members assure patrons they can expect a fun-filled event with two of Jamaica's prominent sound systems, Coppershot and Renaissance, providing the music. As for live entertainment, well you'll just have to show up and see who will be 'passing through'. The Lifestyle team is asking patrons to come out dressed 'Flairtatiously fabulous'.

"They can even check out our ad on jamaica-gleaner.com to get some tips," joked team member Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore. And the team recommends everyone come in their 'dancing shoes' because, once the music starts, it's time to party.

For further information on Mary's Child, call 574-2275.