AFJ Hummingbird Gala raises more than US$900,000

The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) raised more than US$900,000 at its annual Hummingbird Gala on Friday, surpassing its fundraising target while honoring Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart and Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Held Oct. 16 at The Plaza in New York, the gala brought together diplomats, business leaders, philanthropists, members of the Jamaican diaspora and other supporters of Jamaica. Attendees included Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett.

Stewart received the International Achievement Award from Holness in recognition of his contributions to Caribbean tourism, business and philanthropy. Ralph received the International Humanitarian Award from Bartlett for her entertainment career and advocacy through the DIVA Foundation, particularly in HIV/AIDS awareness.

Accepting his award, Stewart reflected on the legacy of his father, Sandals founder Gordon “Butch” Stewart, who established the company with a 99-room hotel in Montego Bay in 1981.

“It is the greatest honor for my family, for myself, my father before me, to be able to get up every day and tell the world about the magic and the gift that is Jamaica land,” Stewart said.

Ralph recalled learning Jamaica’s national anthem as a child and urged supporters to appreciate the island beyond its appeal as a vacation destination.

“Don’t just love Jamaica for your vacation. Love Jamaica for the people. Love Jamaica for our culture. Love Jamaica for our food. Love Jamaica for our music,” she said.

The gala, AFJ’s principal annual fundraising event, supports the organization’s programs across Jamaica. This year’s event came as the nonprofit continued to assist communities affected by Hurricane Melissa while maintaining its broader development initiatives.

Since the hurricane, AFJ has mobilized nearly US$12 million in cash and in-kind contributions for relief and recovery, with more than 60% of funds raised for hurricane relief already deployed. Through partnerships with local organizations, the nonprofit has helped families repair damaged roofs, supported the restoration of schools and health clinics, and assisted farmers in restarting production.

Mark Newman, an AFJ board director and incoming president, said the organization works with Jamaican partners to direct donations to communities and initiatives where they are most needed.

“The unique aspect about AFJ is that we provide a great platform to take US donations and connect them with Jamaican NGO and business partners so as not to duplicate efforts but employ resources in the most efficient way. So every donor dollar has the highest impact on the ground in Jamaica,” Newman said.

AFJ President Wendy Hart and Executive Director Caron Chung also highlighted the response from donors and the importance of working with Jamaican organizations that understand the needs of their communities.

Hart, who attended her final Hummingbird Gala as president after 11 years in the role, thanked supporters for their contributions and welcomed Newman as her successor.

Holness commended AFJ for its longstanding work in Jamaica, particularly its assistance to communities recovering from Hurricane Melissa.

“For more than four decades, AFJ has turned affection for our country into action for our people. Behind every contribution is a human possibility. A child with a better chance to learn, a patient with access to care, a family finding its way,” he said.

“I want to express, therefore, on behalf of the Government of Jamaica and the people of Jamaica, our sincere appreciation to the American Friends of Jamaica.”

The evening also featured a live auction and pledge drive, along with the launch of To Jamaica, With Love, AFJ’s year-end fundraising campaign.

Running through Dec. 31, the campaign will use personal stories, letters and postcards from Jamaica to encourage continued contributions from members of the diaspora and international supporters.