IT was a night to remember — the 30th annual Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) gala and awards ceremony in Long Island, New York, last weekend, as scores of supporters of the cause gathered to celebrate.

The Inn at Fox Hollow was the venue, dress code elegant, and special guests included ambassadors Nick Perry and Audrey Marks. With musical performances by artiste Donnell Best, and music by Empea Entertainment and Tropical Rhythms, the fund-raising event that honours individuals who have supported the organisation’s mission was a buzz all the way to midnight.

For the past three decades, COJO has provided scholarships and critical assistance to children in need, particularly in Jamaica, raising over US$1 million to grant access to education, healthcare, infrastructure and technology to young people. Since its establishment, it has contributed more than US$300,000 to specifically support young adults in State care in Jamaica, enabling them to, among other things, access tertiary education.

Here are some highlights from the gala.