The official launch Gala Banquet for the Cecelin Gayle Foundation set the stage for an evening of celebration and philanthropy on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Lennar at MiraLago Banquet Hall in Parkland, Florida.
The event, starting with a Cocktail Reception at 6:00 p.m., heralded the commencement of a new chapter for the foundation, culminating in the official launch festivities at 7:00 p.m. The gala’s highlight was the keynote address delivered by Reverend Dr. Rosalind Osgood, Florida State Senator (District 32), adding gravitas to the occasion.
Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Cecelin Gayle Foundation, Inc. operates with a mission to address the diverse needs of individuals, irrespective of their ethnic or social backgrounds.
With a motto of being the “steppingstone” toward wellness, the foundation has already made significant strides in providing support to families in both the United States and Jamaica.
Last year during the holiday season, the foundation collaborated with the Broward Sheriff’s office to provide hot meals for the residents at the Braithwaite Center for Aging in Deerfield Beach, Florida. They collaborated with Alpha Kappa Alpha, a sorority organization, to provide food to students for three days. In collaboration with Senator Rosalind Osgood and Alfa Kappa Alpha, they provided food/clothing to the hurricane survivors, in Fort Myers, Florida, in 2022.
Mrs. Cecelin Gayle at the heart of the foundation
At the heart of the Cecelin Gayle Foundation is its inspirational founder, Mrs. Cecelin Gayle, a woman renowned for her generosity and compassion. Hailing from Mandeville, Manchester, Mrs. Gayle’s dedication to aiding those in need has earned her widespread admiration. Her tireless efforts, alongside her late husband, Larrel Gayle, in raising a family of seven children, exemplify her ethos of giving back to the community.
Among the fruits of her labor are the successful Dutch Pot Jamaican Restaurant chains, owned by two of her daughters.
In 2023, the foundation was officially established to carry forward Mrs. Gayle’s legacy of altruism. Focused on serving communities within Florida’s tri-county area and beyond, the organization has already made a significant impact through various initiatives. From providing hot meals to the elderly at assisted living facilities to offering essential support to hurricane survivors, the foundation’s reach knows no bounds.
In Jamaica, the foundation’s efforts extend to providing essential resources for education and housing. Projects such as supplying school supplies, constructing homes for homeless families, and supporting schools like the Patrick Town Primary School in Manchester exemplify its commitment to improving lives across borders.
Recognizing the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, the Cecelin Gayle Foundation has awarded two deserving students with a $2,500 scholarship each.
Looking ahead, the foundation aims to expand its reach to countries in Africa, with plans to provide vital resources such as wells and agricultural support to communities in need.
