NEW YORK, USA — It was a coming together of United States-based Jamaicans invested in one purpose — strengthening the link between the island’s needy children and those in the Diaspora who are able to help.

Last Saturday night, dozens turned out to the Hilton Hotel, JFK, for Children of Jamaica Outreach’s (COJO) 21st annual scholarship gala and awards, held under the theme, Making a difference… Touching lives across miles.

The annual gala was held to celebrate the support from members of the Diaspora towards COJO’s scholarship awards and other work.

Honoured guest was Olympian Veronica Campbell Brown, who was being awarded for her humanitarian work with her Veronica Campbell Brown Foundation, as well as her work as a UNESCO Goodwill ambassador. On hand to witness were Jamaican business leaders and officials including Jamaican Ambassador to the United States Ralph Thomas and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Courtenay Rattray.

Guest of honour, Wayne Cummings, Sandals Resorts’ director, business processes and administration, thanked the contributors, stating that Jamaicans at home often forget the physical, emotional and financial investments the Diaspora makes to continue to give back to so many.

“COJO’s interventions, specifically in education, have consistently helped to propel the dreams of so many deserving youngsters forward,” he said in an earlier statement.

“Caribbean people are some of the most proud in the world, but make no mistake about it that the needs of our territories remain one of the most burning issues facing our governments and people. The passion with which the COJO team builds out these annual programmes is testament to a deep sense of giving and humanity that we must unselfishly and collectively celebrate.”

COJO’s mission, according to Chairman Gary Williams, is to “give all youth the chance to reach their God-given potential so they can become happy, useful, and contributing citizens”.

The charity has, since 1994, been caring for children living in poverty in Jamaica and in the New York metropolitan area through educational, medical and recreational programmes.

Williams explained that he had spent years before 1994 participating in one-off missions to help needy children in Jamaica, before establishing COJO.

The charity identifies real needs facing underserved children and the non-government agencies best positioned to address these needs. Funds are raised throughout the year and culminate in the annual fundraising gala.

On his first official visit to New York as ambassador, Thomas told the audience that Jamaica expressed great thanks for the contributions, and that the Government holds the Diaspora in high regard.

“Your invaluable efforts, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare, two vital pillars of development, have not gone without notice, and I thank you wholeheartedly on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica. I urge you to continue your humanitarian efforts to improve the lives of your fellow citizens,” he said.

And, said Campbell Brown: “My appreciation for COJO is not just in words, but in that I also have a passion for helping. Do not give up on the struggle to empower our children.”

Honourees for the evening were Caribbean Airlines, which received the Corporate Service Award; Campbell Brown, the Humanitarian Award; Madge Warren, Distinguished Service; Patrick Jolly, Visionary Award; Donald P Vernon, Community Service; and Orville McKenzie, also Community Service.

Warren is a teacher by profession who started her career in Jamaica before heading to the United States where she founded the very successful Stepping Stone Pre & Grade School.

Jolly, a trained accountant, is president of Tower Isles Frozen Food Limited, a leader in the patty industry which also does a lot of charity work.

Vernon is a lawyer and community organiser, and also president of the Center for Caribbean Progress, dedicated to preserving Caribbean-American culture.

And McKenzie is a philanthropist with a passion for community service and a two-decade-long supporter of COJO.

A special scholarship fund has also been set up to help wards of the state who have excelled in academics receive a university education.

In September, four such persons in high academic standing who are committed to volunteerism were given US$5,000 scholarships by COJO in Jamaica, in partnership with the Child Development Agency.