A new relationship between Bellevue Hospital and the City of Lauderhill, Florida, is taking shape following a donation of recreational activity items and art and craft supplies from Lauderhill Mayor Denise Grant and Vice-Mayor Richard Campbell.

The donation was a collaborative effort by Grant and Campbell — whose shared Jamaican roots and commitment to giving back inspired them to provide tangible support after learning more about Bellevue Hospital, its patients, and the work of the institution.

Community outreach coordinator for the City of Lauderhill Comala Remogene, visited Bellevue Hospital on Tuesday to formally hand over the donated items on behalf of Grant and Campbell, who joined the presentation virtually.

“The supplies we are presenting are the result of the generosity of Mayor Grant and Vice-Mayor Campbell and their desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people at Bellevue. I am pleased to have had the privilege of delivering this donation on their behalf and conveying their appreciation to Bellevue’s leadership, staff and caregivers,” Remogene said.

Bellevue Hospital Chief Executive Officer Suzette Buchanan expressed appreciation for the contribution, noting that the selection of recreational and creative supplies was particularly relevant to the needs of the hospital’s patient population.

“We are really appreciative of this gesture, and we know that a lot of thought was put into this donation.

Approximately 350 of the persons currently in our care are social cases, and they participate in a number of recreational activities here at Bellevue. These activities provide important opportunities for engagement, interaction and creative expression, so the recreational items and arts and craft supplies will certainly be put to good use,” Buchanan said.

Beyond the immediate contribution, both parties are looking to the engagement as an opportunity to establish an ongoing relationship.

“We are hopeful that this marks the beginning of a lasting relationship between Bellevue Hospital and the City of Lauderhill — one grounded in listening, understanding the priorities and exploring meaningful opportunities for continued support,” Remogene said.

Remogene also presented Buchanan with a City of Lauderhill pin on behalf of Grant and Campbell as a symbol of appreciation and friendship.

The initiative was also supported by Andrew Crooks, founder of Get Therapy Now, and Annmarie Madden, director of public relations at the Jamaica Ex Soldiers Association, who assisted in coordinating the donation and facilitating the engagement with Bellevue Hospital.

The connection was initially facilitated by Zarie Ricketts of Captivating Hearts Foundation, whose introduction helped bring the parties together and laid the groundwork for the subsequent discussions and donation.