When a natural disaster of Hurricane Melissa’s magnitude strikes, it can be difficult for some to know how best to help. But for Spaces Ltd Creative Director Janelle Pantry-Coke — whose passion for giving can be tied to her years of service at the Rotary Club of Jamaica, even serving as president of the Trafagar New Heights 2018-2019 — she knew exactly what to do.

Pantry-Coke’s furniture and home décor store is celebrating its 18th year in business. And while some might say 18 years isn’t a huge milestone, certainly not one you make a fuss about, if you know Spaces Ltd Creative Director, and her mum Judith Pantry, you know there is no occasion too small to celebrate! Eighteen years of design with purpose — creating not just beautiful homes, but spaces that tell stories, foster connection, and bring comfort — were celebrated on Sunday, November 23, with Pantry-Coke and her team staging the Spaces’ 18th Anniversary Rebuilding with Heart brunch and auction at the Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen, Progressive Shopping Center. The event was produced and decorated by Event Planner Shikima Hinds, and hosted by attorney-at-law Tamara Francis Riley-Dunn.

“When we first started planning this anniversary, our focus was on creativity and community — on launching the very first edition of the Spaces Edit Magazine… but life, as we know, has a way of reshaping our priorities,” said an emotional Pantry-Coke. “After Hurricane Melissa, it became clear that this celebration had to mean more. Our theme, ‘Rebuilding with Heart’, captures the very essence of what we do — and who we are… over the past weeks, we’ve all witnessed the heartbreak across Jamaica — homes lost, families displaced, livelihoods interrupted.

Yet in the midst of that pain, we’ve witnessed something extraordinary: Our collective strength… this anniversary, this brunch, and even the Spaces Edit Magazine, are all reminders that beauty and purpose can coexist. That we can design with intention. And, that our partnerships — with each of you in this room — are what truly make the difference.”

She used the opportunity to announce the Spaces Hurricane Relief Programme, a move aimed at supporting affected households as they rebuild and resettle. “Through this initiative, we’re collecting linens, bedding, towels, and essential household supplies to help families re-establish even the smallest sense of normalcy and peace. We’ve set a clear and meaningful goal: To provide 100 mattresses — complete with all the necessary bedding — to help families restart ‘home’ in the most fundamental way,” said Pantry-Coke to the captive audience of long-time customers, sponsors, and other stakeholders.

But that effort was only the beginning. With an energy of promise radiating throughout the space, and an edict from Reverend Jim Parkes to be helpful to the weak — a point hammered home with the reading of 1 Thessalonians 5: 13-15 — the auction led by Fabian Brown had guests at attention, laughing and bidding on local art, one-of-a-kind experiences, and the latest in tech. Curated art by renowned visual artist Kianne Patrice Hutchinson and local art dealer Carla Newsam formed the centrepiece of the live auction. Their pieces were presented alongside generous donations and experiences from ATL, Sandals, Flow, Peace-is-of Bianca, and The Face Place, among other partners who rallied behind the cause. “It was important for us to source pieces from strong Jamaican brands that firmly believe in the mission. Each artwork and offering was selected not only for its craftsmanship and value, but for its alignment with Spaces’ commitment to restoring comfort, dignity, and hope for families rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa,” said Pantry-Coke.

(Photo: LH Multimedia)

Spaces Ltd Creative Director Janelle Pantry-Coke (left) had the support of parents, dad Professor Kent Pantry and mum, Judith, attorney-at-law. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Freight Handlers Limited principals Neville and Denise Lyn Fatt checked out items in the silent auction (Photo: LH Multimedia)

Spaces Ltd Creative Director Janelle Pantry-Coke (centre) ensured Scotiabank Chief Risk Officer Marcette McLeggon and Manager, Lending — Caribbean North & Central Rohan Hoilett were among the first to peruse the pages of the Spaces Edit Anniversary Issue glossy. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Nurse practitioner Kisha Wallace-Grant’s graceful strut in sky-high Loubs and bold brown ‘fit earned her lenstime. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

It was a family affair for Spaces Ltd Creative Director Janelle Pantry-Coke (left), her husband, attorney-at-law Dylan Coke, their twin daughters Zein (left) and Amari, and Coke’s sister, Nyree, director of customer experience at Flow. (Photo: LH Multimedia)

Perusing the pages of the Spaces Edit Magazine were Caribbean Regional Advisor at The Nature Conservancy Shunelle Nevers and Director of People at Flow Darron Turnquest (Photo: LH Multimedia)

Commissioned land surveyor Karsten Johnson, and his wife, RUBiS Energy Jamaica Engineering Manager Kamala Johnson were also out to support. (Photo: LH Multimedia)

Engine Room Brand House and OG Spaces customer CEO Tishan Lee (right) and her daughter Mia Lee (Photo: LH Multimedia)

Because what’s an appearance at the Spaces 18th Anniversary Rebuilding with Heart brunch without a selfie at the oh-so chic, branded entrance. Port Authority of Jamaica Assistant Vice-President — Marketing & Communications Kim Stiff secured hers! (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Marketer Tellessia Scott (right) secured a freshly made Lychee Mimosa from Brand Ambassador Marcine McLeish at the Select Brands bar.(Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Attorney-at-law Tamara Francis Riley-Dunn guided the formalities. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Reverend Jim Parkes and Spaces Ltd Creative Director Janelle Pantry-Coke (Photo: LH Multimedia)