Vinyl collectors give back

VCRA’s 14th annual memorial weekend event took place in Jamaica over the last weekend of May 2011. Local record collectors and music lovers as well as those from the United States and Canada were treated to a feast of music, presented by the vinyl record collectors fraternity. In addition to collecting and playing music, the international association also fulfilled its mandate set for the event – making charitable donations to select organisations in need.

VCRA made its first significant donation from funds raised during the course of the 2011 weekend as well as donations from the members. The Alpha Boys School was the beneficiary of a cheque for $150,000 – a perfect choice as the first recipient, given its musical history and recognition for having produced renowned musical talent.

Michael ‘Louis’ Owens, the association’s newly elected president, was proud to have marked the start of his tenure with the donation of the funds to Sister Shirley Chang, head of the Alpha Boys’ School.

In accepting the gift, Sister Chung said “the contribution of $150,000.00 will go a long way in assisting in the plans for the expansion of the music department and construction of a recording studio”.

In his remarks, the president noted that: “The VCRA has evolved from its original purpose of honouring record collectors both posthumously and those still present to fulfilling the newly set mandate of being a charitable organisation.”

The presentation took place at Heather’s Garden Restaurant last month.

On hand to assist with the presentation were Jr Cyrus of Florida, the association’s treasurer, along with other planning committee members who worked to make the May event the success it was.

Three wall-mounted fans were also presented by the association to the John Franklyn Institute of Learning situated in St Catherine.

Providing the music were Jr. Cyrus with selections from his vast record collection, and Gladdy Parker of Wild Bunch Disco.