On Monday, October 20, 2025, the annual Rockhouse Foundation Benefit brought together a vibrant community of supporters, donors, and friends for an unforgettable evening in downtown New York, celebrating the foundation’s mission to transform education in Jamaica. The lively evening allowed the foundation to raise US$300,000, which will go directly to the foundation’s primary current initiative, the Savanna-la-Mar Inclusive Academy, a school in Western Jamaica built from the ground up by the foundation, where children with and without disabilities can learn alongside one another in an inclusive setting.

Guests began the night with a cocktail hour in The Library at The Public Theater, where Ten To One Rum cocktails were served alongside a selection of Caribbean-inspired canapés by chef Andrew Carmellini’s Kitchen. Following the cocktail reception, guests were ushered into Joe’s Pub for a seated three-course dinner prepared by Miss Lily’s 7A Culinary Director Chef Brittney “Stikxz” Williams and pastry chef Janae Haynes. The menu featured a Burrata Salad with delicata squash and jerk salsa macha; Pan-Roasted Snapper in a Scotch bonnet coconut rundown with braised greens, and a Trinidadian Pone dessert with soursop crèmeux, tamarind sauce, and cashew tuile, paired with wine from T Edward Wine & Spirits.

Throughout dinner, heartfelt remarks were shared by Rockhouse Foundation Chairman Paul Salmon, who spoke on the foundation’s history and its deep commitment to community transformation in Western Jamaica. The foundation’s president, Peter Rose, was honoured for decades of leadership, leading up to his retirement in December 2025. Anna Thwaites Wallace, the foundation’s incoming president, shared her vision for the future of the organisation. Ronnie Thwaites, former minister of education, delivered a stirring keynote address on the importance of inclusion and collaboration in advancing education in Jamaica.

This year marks an especially pivotal moment for the Rockhouse Foundation. The Ministry of Education and the Rockhouse Foundation have signed a joint commitment to expand Savanna-la-Mar Inclusive Academy (Sav Inclusive) through to 12th grade over the next six years. With the completion this year of the primary school, the foundation is now working to underwrite the creation of the high school section, continuing its long-term vision of love, family, and high expectations for all Jamaican children.

A moving tribute video celebrated Peter Rose’s tenure, followed by a special presentation from Vanessa Moore, director of partnerships and special projects at the Rockhouse Foundation, who presented Rose with a one-of-a-kind gift from the students of Sav Inclusive.

After dinner, the evening transitioned to a spirited live auction, where guests bid on luxury trips to Rockhouse Hotel and Skylark Negril Beach Resort, among other experiences — all proceeds directly benefiting the foundation. A donation drive followed, inviting attendees to contribute funds to help complete the new Sav Inclusive high school, supporting the construction of classrooms, therapy spaces, and vital educational materials for students with and without disabilities. The funds raised will directly advance the foundation’s mission to expand inclusive education opportunities across Western Jamaica.

DJ Max Glazer provided music throughout the evening and the night culminated with a headline performance by Kes, the world-renowned soca superstar whose music embodies the joy, vibrancy, and spirit of the Caribbean. His set brought guests to their feet and closed the evening on a high note.

The event sponsors: Rockhouse Hotel, Skylark Negril Beach Resort, Miss Lily’s, JetBlue, Ten To One, T Edward Wine & Spirits and Joe’s Pub & The Library

About the Rockhouse Foundation:

Since its founding in 2004, the Rockhouse Foundation has invested over US$11 million to transform education in Jamaica, rebuilding and expanding six public schools and the Negril Community Library, and establishing Savanna-la-Mar Inclusive Academy (Sav Inclusive) — the country’s first public school serving children with and without disabilities. The foundation’s work is fully underwritten by Rockhouse Hotel, Skylark Negril Beach Resort, and Miss Lily’s, ensuring that every dollar raised directly benefits Jamaican children, their families, and their educators.

Rockhouse Foundation incoming President Anna Thwaites Wallace, and her father, former Minister of Education Ronald “Ronnie” Thwaites Courtesy of JLP Consulting

Rockhouse Foundation co-founder & outgoing President Peter Rose and Anna Thwaites Wallace, the foundation’s incoming president Courtesy of JLP Consulting

Soca superstar Kes brought guests to their feet, closing the evening on a high note. Courtesy of JLP Consulting

In celebration of his tenure, Rockhouse Foundation co-founder & outgoing President Peter Rose (centre) was presented with a one-of-a-kind gift from the students of Sav Inclusive by Vanessa Moore, director of partnerships and special projects at the Rockhouse Foundation. Joining in on the presentation was Rockhouse Hotel & Rockhouse Foundation Chairman & CEO Paul Salmon. Courtesy of JLP Consulting

Rockhouse Foundation board president and co-founder Peter Rose received multiple standing ovations for his work for the past 23 years. Here he is pictured reciprocating the love Courtesy of JLP Consulting

Janet Caner and Evan Justice (right) raise their bid cards during the auction. Also photographed is Corey Wilson.

Wife of Paul Salmon, and founding board member of the Rockhouse Foundation Aisha Steiner Salmon (left) and film producer Ana Pincus Courtesy of JLP Consulting

Also out to support were communications trainer & coach Poppy Gaskin and model, educator and style icon Rashid  Silvera.Courtesy of JLP Consulting

Days after the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica on Tuesday, October 28, the Rockhouse Foundation launched a Hurricane Recovery Fund to support the local school community, especially in Savanna-la-Mar, where the Sav Inclusive School and surrounding neighbourhoods were hit hard.facebook.com/rockhousefoundation/