On Saturday 26th August, 2023, Valley North’s elected representative and the C.O.R.E Community Group hosted their 2nd Annual Back to School Day. The community initiative was held in the village of Little Dix and has been hailed as a resounding success.
The event was a collaborative effort between Mrs. Rogers-Webster, C.O.R.E Community Group, platinum sponsor Digicel, volunteers, local sponsors, and guests on the island. The event featured a fun filled afternoon of games, bouncing castles, Story Telling by young Anguillian Author Cassilda Thomas-Carty, raffles, haircuts & hair style vouchers, refreshments (popcorn, snow cones, hot dogs, drinks, cupcakes) and gift bags of school supplies.
The event began at 2pm and ended at 6pm with musical entertainment by DJ SWAT. The organising team catered for 200 children. Over 185 gift bags were distributed on the day of the event and the additional bags were given to children of the district who were not in attendance at the event. There were vouchers for 20 haircuts and 15 hair styles given and 2 children received books from the visiting author, Cassilda Thomas-Carty, who read her book, “Anansi and the Hurricane”. The students were treated to 2 copies of the book sponsored by the organizing committee.
Platinum sponsor Digicel covered the costs associated with the gift bags, entertainment, electricity and vouchers for haircuts and hair braiding. Digicel also provided C.O.R.E with marketing and planning support.
Mrs. Rogers-Webster said, “the team is extremely happy to have been able to bring this day to District Three, our children deserve to feel loved, celebrated and supported. We intend to have this day annually in a different village every year.” She further noted, “this day would not have been possible without the overwhelming support of our sponsors and volunteers. Their partnership is valued and appreciated. We are not interested in transactional relationships but rather partnerships to help increase the quality of life of our people. I wish to sincerely thank everyone who believed in this initiative and supported without hesitation.”
Next Year’s event will be held in either Cauls Bottom, The Farrington, The Quarter or The Valley. Plans are already underway to make next year’s event an even greater success. Persons interested in partnering with this event are welcome to express their interest at any time.
The Volunteers were Shanella Carty, Lisette Richardson, Tamara Richardson, Vydia Harrigan, Vyonne Brooks, Iona Proctor, Barbara Huggins, Glennicia Richardson, Shanessa Carty, Tamiah Rogers, Khya Fleming, Sadie Gumbs, Kaitia Clifton, Warren Bryan, Aaliyah Richardson, Rosie Webster, Nadica Richardson, and Rudy Webster.
The Sponsors were Shellya Rogers-Webster, Digicel, Roshima Parker – Royal Party Rentals, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Rebecca Webster & Kyle Hodge – Tropical Treats, Sheldon Rogers, 5 Star Media, Rudy Webster, Shelly Albert Goldberg, Family of the late Vernol Richardson, Merchants Market, Sueland Hodge, Warren Bryan, Glennicia Richardson, Susan Brooks, Rochelle Rogers, Amore Romney. Kevin Bryan, OKPS, Klirence Belle, Chris Cutler, Bumba Carty, Ashley & Sons, Angela Rogers, Bernard Wattley, Tamara Richardson, Cassilda Thomas Carty, Zarna Brokerage, Iona Proctor, Brenda Huggins, Betty Rogers, Alma Richardson, Clara Richards, Iona Allen, and John Lake.
