COJO celebrates 19 years

Garfene Grandison, Assistant Lifestyle Coordinator

Last Saturday, (December 14), the Children of Jamaica Outreach held its annual charity gala at the Hilton JFK Hotel in New York.

While many stayed in the comfort of their homes, some spirited Jamaicans from both home and abroad braved the snow storm for a night of fun and philanthropy. It's the winter in the Big Apple and, despite the cold weather, patrons came out dressed to the nines in their coats, sporting fabulous gowns, high heels, and dapper suits underneath for the gents. The evening began with cocktails and, in true Jamaican style, patrons enjoyed some cocktail patties complemented by barbecue wings, shrimp platters and assorted fruits, all of which were paired with a wide array of libations.

Patrons were happy to ditch their coats for the warmth of the well-adorned ballroom. The event was nothing short of good vibes and great food as Minister of Youth and Culture Lisa Hanna addressed a packed ballroom, drawing on the references and characteristics of the recently departed humanitarian, Nelson Mandela. In her address, Hanna encouraged those in the diaspora to further promote Brand Jamaica, keeping the spirit alive by voting for our songstress on NBC's 'The Voice'. "If you haven't yet heard of Tessanne Chin, I urge you to Google, go on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, whatever. I promise that, once you've listened to her, you will agree that she is an amazing singer; an exemplary young woman with an abundance of talent who has stepped on to the world's stage without fear, proudly demonstrating the best of who we are."

much-needed donations

COJO was founded by its chairman, Jamaican Gary Williams, in 1994, and 19 years later, the NGO has been making much-needed donations to numerous children's organisations in Jamaica and the United States. Through their efforts, they have been improving the lives of children in need through education and health care.

Organisations such as the Glenhope Place of Safety, Windsor Child Care Facility, Alpha Boys' School, and Granville Child Care Facility, are just a few of the organisations that have benefited from the funds of the annual gala.

After the formalities and dinner, the partygoers were ready for the dance floor, but not before the nights honourees were announced.

COJO awarded four Jamaicans who, over the years, have assisted the organisation in achieving its goals. David Laroche received the COJO Distinguished Service Award, Karlene ChinQuee received the Community Service Award, and The Door restaurant walked away with the Corporate Service Award. A surprise presentation for the night was the Chairman's Award that was given to Paulette McKenzie for her unwavering support and contribution to the Cojo organisation and its mission over the years.

Master of ceremonies, managing associate at Finn Partners, Lyndon Taylor, was as engaging as he was diplomatic. But it was the deejay that paved the way for Caribbean people to do what they do best - party! Once the formalities were over, they kicked the party into high gear, starting with the obligatory electric slide. The music quickly transitioned from disco to calypso and shortly after, some Jamaican oldies but goodies which meant that it was time for some serious business on the dance floor. Patrons showed off their individual dance skills until the couples took over and danced together, each trying to outdo the other. People were so energised and fuelled, it would take a crowbar to pry the dancing patrons off the floor to end the event. They boogied into the wee hours of the morning, not stopping until 2 a.m.

At the end of the night, the friends of Jamaica and Jamaicans living in New York had partied for a cause - for the Children of Jamaica Outreach (cojo).