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GoodHeart | The mission continues for The Valda Hope Foundation

Charity mingle targets back-to-school scholarships

Published:Saturday | July 12, 2025 | 12:08 AM
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Beaming with pride at another successful fundraiser is The Valda Hope Foundation team (from left) Luxenburgh Salmon, projects officer; Dr Kimberly Salmon, founder and director; Valda Salmon, foundation’s namesake and director; Jodian Aris, secretary an
Contributed
Beaming with pride at another successful fundraiser is The Valda Hope Foundation team (from left) Luxenburgh Salmon, projects officer; Dr Kimberly Salmon, founder and director; Valda Salmon, foundation’s namesake and director; Jodian Aris, secretary and treasurer.
From left: Dr Kimberly Salmon; Jordan Chuck, owner and chef of Board to Belly Catering; Gizelle Smith, and Suzette Ramsahai from The Butcher Shoppe.
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From left: Dr Kimberly Salmon; Jordan Chuck, owner and chef of Board to Belly Catering; Gizelle Smith, and Suzette Ramsahai from The Butcher Shoppe.
This charity mingle also calls for tasty food prepared by Board to Belly Catering.
Contributed
This charity mingle also calls for tasty food prepared by Board to Belly Catering.
Spotted enjoying the afternoon drinks while connecting for a cause are Zoe Alexander (left) and Sarah Martin of the Guardsman Group.
Contributed
Spotted enjoying the afternoon drinks while connecting for a cause are Zoe Alexander (left) and Sarah Martin of the Guardsman Group.
It’s all smiles with (back row, from left) Lesley Alexander, account manager, Fidcom Limited, and Allison Perkins, assistant manager, Lee’s Optical, joined by (front row, from left) Stephanie Wehby, business strategy and transformation consultant, PwC
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It’s all smiles with (back row, from left) Lesley Alexander, account manager, Fidcom Limited, and Allison Perkins, assistant manager, Lee’s Optical, joined by (front row, from left) Stephanie Wehby, business strategy and transformation consultant, PwC, and Melissa Warner, director, Sora Japanese, for a quick photo.
Another favourite among the patrons were the mini crispy tuna tacos topped with avocado mousse.
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Another favourite among the patrons were the mini crispy tuna tacos topped with avocado mousse.
Of the afternoon’s menu offerings included the yummy Shoppe Sliders.
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Of the afternoon’s menu offerings included the yummy Shoppe Sliders.
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The Valda Hope Foundation hosted its first-ever Charity Mingle on Sunday, a stylish, yet laid-back fundraising event that brought supporters together over food, music, and a shared purpose. Under the theme, ‘Connections for a Cause’, the evening, held at The Butcher Shoppe in Kingston, was more than just a social affair. Proceeds from the event, along with private donations, will support the foundation’s back-to-school 2025 scholarships which are now open for applications.

Unlike the annual Hands for Hope charity auction, which the organisation has hosted for a few years, this new approach was inspired by two of last year’s smaller events – Pipe and Pour, a cupcake decorating event, and Candles and Corks, a candle-making event – to put a spin on their fundraising efforts.

With guests donning outfits to match the ‘effortlessly chic’ theme, director and founder of the foundation Dr Kimberly Salmon told GoodHeart that, “The Hands for Hope charity auction engages people in a sophisticated showdown for auction items and has the worldly aura and dress code to match. For the charity mingle we wanted our patrons to be picture-ready but with a more relaxed, backyard brunch sense of style. ”

Building on the momentum from previous events, this year’s fundraising efforts aim to make an even greater impact. Last year’s initiatives helped the foundation award over 1.5 million dollars to 10 deserving students.

The foundation’s journey has been one of steady growth and increasing generosity. From the very first auction that raised just over $200,000 to the significant donations made in recent years, the organisation continues to expand its reach and support.

“The joy on the faces of the scholarship winners and their parents on award ceremony day keeps every foundation team member motivated! The incredible needs in our country also keep us motivated. There are simply so many persons that need help. We all need to do our small part to offer assistance whenever we can,” Dr Salmon shared.

Several guests expressed enthusiasm for the event, with many asking whether the event would become a regular affair. “There were several patrons that asked us to hold the event again during the night!” Dr Salmon recalled. “That’s how we knew we were not only on the right track with the type of event, but happy to know persons were ready to give to the cause again and again! Our hearts were warmed.”

The success of the event was made possible in part by key partnerships with The Butcher Shoppe which provided the venue free of cost and Board to Belly Catering, supplying food and drinks at a reduced rate. Dr Salmon expressed gratitude for their collaboration, noting that their support helped the foundation surpass its fundraising goals with ease.

The foundation initially hoped to raise between $300,000 and $400,000 from the event, but thanks to generous supporters, the total far exceeded expectations.

“We can proudly say we will be giving away greater than $1 million this year. The Valda Hope Foundation has some incredible supporters!” she added.

For those who couldn’t attend but still want to support the cause, donations can be made year-round through the foundation’s website, as the organisation, which has big plans beyond annual scholarships, welcomes ongoing contributions.

Parents and guardians of Primary Exit Profile (PEP) graduates can apply for the Back-to-School 2025 scholarships up until July 30. Application forms and full details are available on the foundation’s website at valdahopefoundation.org.

goodheart@gleanerjm.com