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Ambassador Brenda La Grange Johnson awarded the International Humanitarian Award by the American Friends of Jamaica

Posted by CaribShout on October 13, 2009 at 11:36pm

Florida Secretary of State Ambassador Sue M. Cobb (ret) gives the 2009 International Humanitarian Award to former United States Ambassador to Jamaica,Brenda La Grange Johnson. Photo credit: Zakia Ferracho and Errol Anderson NEW YORK – Successfully raising funds for Jamaican non-profits in education, healthcare, and economic development, the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) celebrated the life and work of Brenda La Grange Johnson, former United States Ambassador to Jamaica, this fall at it 28th Annual Hummingbird Gala held at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City. Ambassador Brenda La Grange Johnson’s work in Jamaica was lauded not only by her contemporaries, but she received written recognition from the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Hon. Bruce Golding; former Presidents of the United States of America George Bush, and George W. Bush, along with HRH the Prince of Wales. Her humanitarianism and philanthropic endeavors have been enhanced by her dedication to service in areas such as education, and finding the cure for cancer. Such dedication has not gone unnoticed, and the AFJ is proud to add her to their growing list of past honorees. Ambassador Sue Cobb in presenting the Hummingbird Award to Ambassador La Grange Johnson spoke of her unwavering commitment to “service above self.” She stated “the recognition of a life dedicated to the service of humankind is indeed a cause for celebration.” The evening’s festivities were made even moreso, with presentations from Ambassador La Grange Johnson’s alma mater Duke University, and recognition of the occasion as celebrating a very special birthday for Ambassador La Grange Johnson. In a surprise gesture, Michele Rollins, of Rosehall Jamaica; herself an AFJ International Humanitarian Awardee, and also the Hummingbird Sponsor of the event, expressed her congratulations to Brenda, and wished her the happiest of birthdays. In her acceptance remarks, Ambassador La Grange Johnson spoke of her genuine love for the people of Jamaica and her intent to continue to participate in the future development of the country. In citing the focal points of the work of the AFJ in the areas of education, economic development and healthcare; the new Executive Director, of the American Friends of Jamaica Donnette Chambers, reiterated the AFJ’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of Jamaicans and Jamaican charitable organizations in need. In a brief and poignant appeal to the AFJ stakeholders, Ms. Chambers stated “with your assistance, we are determined to make a difference, we are determined to make a change.” Guests participated in a pre-dinner silent auction and cocktail reception, thoroughly enjoying signature cocktails concocted for the occasion by celebrity chef and Jamaica’s culinary Ambassador Nigel Spence. During the cocktail hour guests voiced their appreciation for the beautifully rendered pan music from Dexter Daley of Coral Seas Entertainment. The highlight of the live auction featured Dr. Ruth Westheimer auctioning herself for lunch to three highest bidding couples, and the musical skills of DJ Ultragrrl. The evening was rounded out with spectacular entertainment provided by renowned Jazz pianist Monty Alexander one day past his acclaimed weekend performance at the Lincoln Center in New York. Monty donated one hundred percent of this time talent and musical finesse to the AFJ, and had the crowd dancing well into the night. Mrs. La Grange Johnson joins a high-profile team of past AFJ International Humanitarian Awardees, ranging from entertainment mogul and Island Outpost founder, Chris Blackwell; Father Richard Ho Lung who is involved with Missionaries of the Poor; Ralph Ricky Lauren of Polo Ralph Lauren; Edgar and Louise Cullman : Humanitarians and Philanthropists; Diageo Corporation; Hon. Oliver F. Clarke, O.J of the Gleaner Company Ltd.; Michele Rollins: Chairman of Rosehall Developments; and last years’ New York awardee: Heavyweight Champion, Lennox Lewis. The Gala’s Honorary Chair was Michele Rollins, Chair: Manuela Cerri Goren, and Co-Chair: Heather Johnson Sargent. Since its inception in 1982, the American Friends of Jamaica has raised over $11 million dollars for Jamaica non-profits focused in the areas of education, healthcare and economic development. In 2009, grants were awarded to organizations such as the Jamaica Society for the Blind and Hanover Charities, Mo-Bay Hope Medical Center, Jamaican Advantage through Sports for Youth. In addition to fundraising through special events such as the gala, the AFJ has a comprehensive strategy involving individual giving and partnerships with corporations and individuals. Polo Ralph Lauren, Air Jamaica, Island Outpost, and Ruder Finn have all been consistent supporters. In 2006, the AFJ also launched its Diaspora Giving Program, a dynamic initiative that serves to formalize charitable dollars from Diaspora members in the United States to Jamaican Organizations. The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), a non-profit organization, fosters a network of support provided by American multinational corporations with commercial interests in Jamaica, American winter residents, members of the diplomatic corps and Jamaicans living overseas.

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