Starry Night Dinner and Dance was held on Saturday June, 2nd, 2018 at Italia Restaurant at the Club House at Cuisinart Resort. Over 150 guests walked the red carpet. Upon arrival attendees were given a delicious ginger infused complimentary drink. As event goers socialised and had dinner DJ Sparta provided a perfect mix of melodies to set the mood and keep persons rocking, singing along and entertained.
A delicious dinner with many Caribbean favourites was served buffet style. The dessert table had a wide range of options to tantalise even the most discerning sweet tooth. Later in the evening Boss & the Horsepower Band did not disappoint and guests were up and dancing as soon as the band started to play.
The evening was ably and beautifully hosted by the lovely Farrah Banks. The official programme for the night began with a prayer by Ife Badejo. The welcome was given by Acting President of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Desron Bynoe, who welcomed all present and thanked everyone, including attendees and sponsors and those who bought raffle tickets, for their support for ACOCI’s scholarship fund. He recognised the hard work of Chamber’s staff, Lily Moses and Karen Pina, in making the event a success, and encouraged all to have a great time.
Dr, Karl Dawson, President of the Anguilla Community College, the institution which has been the recipient of ACOCI’s Scholarship funds, gave brief remarks. In his remarks, he stated that “the success of the College, in particular, really has to do with the extent that we can interact with, and support and be supported by, the community.” He shared further that, “ACOCI has led the way here in Anguilla by signing the Memorandum of Understanding for the scholarship, and in fact this scholarship is something that is meaningful because it has also led the way for other organisations and individuals to do the same.” He pointed out that the scholarship recognises that “there is a need for the entire business community to help build a solid pool of competent persons for this economy, the charge of the Anguilla Community College.” He looked forward to the continued support of the business community and encouraged all to learn more about the programmes the College is offering including the UK based BTEC programme.
Ms. Mirie Harris, the second recipient of ACOCI’s Scholarship, shared that she was in the final stage of her degree and, on behalf of past, present and future scholarship recipients, expressed gratitude to ACOCI for the part they played in making her education at the Anguilla Community College possible.
The vote of thanks for the evening was given by Ms. Sharon Richardson, Director of Hospitality at Anguilla Community College.
Throughout the night, the excitement was high as guests held on to their entry tickets hoping to win a door prize. Door prizes this year included spa treatments donated by Zemi Beach House and Cuisinart Golf Resort & Spa, lunch and dinner gift certificates donated by: Straw Hat Restaurant, da’Vida Bayside Restaurant, Picante Restaurant, Roy’s Bayside Restaurant, Sandy Island Restaurant, English Rose Restaurant, E’s Oven Restaurant a pedicure and manicure from Nails R Hair, a month membership from Dungeon Gym, gift certificates for Anguilla Garden Center and Gadget City and His & her watches donated by Re’Jen’s Boutique. A lucky guest also won a weekend stay at Shoal Bay Villas. The grand door prize for the night, a two (2) nights’ stay for two (2) in a deluxe Oceanside room at Four Seasons Resort Nevis, including a complimentary breakfast buffet, was won by a lucky guest to the disappointment of all other ticket holders.
A prize giving ceremony will be held later in the week for all prize winners.
The winners of the raffle were also selected and announced with the winning prizes going to the following numbers.
Raffle Prizes:
Grand Prize, ticket #401- US$ 3,000.00
2nd prize, ticket #194 – 2 round trip tickets on Tradewind Aviation (flies to Puerto Rico, St. Barths, Nevis)
3rd prize, ticket #432 – Samsung S9 sponsored by FLOW
4th prize, ticket # 127 – G/E Dryer provided by Expan Co. Ltd
The evening took an unexpected twist when Mirabelle West of International Wine and Spirits, and one of the sponsors for the evening, pledged $1500.00 on behalf of her business to the ACOCI Scholarship Fund. She challenged all businesses present to also make a contribution of $250 towards a worthy cause. Over 10 businesses and individuals took up the challenge and in the spirit of giving pledged between $250 to $1000 dollars each. Through these pledges ACOCI raised an additional $5750.00 towards the ACOCI Scholarship Fund. President Desron Bynoe (Ag), and staff members Lily Moses and Karen Pina who worked so hard on the event, were overwhelmed by the generosity and support from the community.
Any individuals or businesses that would like to make a financial contribution to the Scholarship Fund should contact the Chamber office at 497-2839 or call Lily and Karen at 235-2840/235-2839. All proceeds are in support of ACOCI’s Scholarship Fund. ACOCI plans to continue to help deserving students pursue higher education in various fields at local institutions.
By Shellecia Brooks-Johnson
