Lighting Up Lives Fundraiser 2014
The Because of Jenna Trust held it's eighth annual Fundraising Gala at Fisherpond Great House (compliments John & Rain Chandler) on February 8th, this year's event being the largest ever totaling just over 400 guests. Cocktails were followed by Dinner under the beautifully decorated tent. As always, Rain Chandler, Katy Gale and their several volunteers, including Claire Worme, Jaime Maloney and Patricia Murray, worked tirelessly to create the myriad of exquisite decorations which transformed this already stunning venue into a spectacular array of colour and light.
Trustee, Nigel Worme introduced Anna Clarke, Founder and Trustee, who created this charity in memory of her daughter Jenna Leigh. Jenna was born severely brain-injured in 1990 and lived for 11 years; the Trust provides financial support in the form of wheelchair and orthopedic clinics, medication, school fees, transportation, home physiotherapy programs, the monthly pamper drive and much more, to many severely brain-injured children in Barbados and works to improve the quality of their lives. Anna gave a vote of thanks to everyone for their support and made special mention of Sir Cliff Richard who attends this event each year and is considered the "unofficial" patron of the Trust. Also, to the many young people who give of their time each year as waitresses and bartenders to support this event. Anna noted that the Trust's annual expenditure for 2013 had surpassed previous years totaling over $300,000 and sincerely thanked everyone for their continued support without which this would not be possible.
Barry and Fiona Gale joined the team this year working closely with Heather Richardson from Country House Kitchen who again provided the sumptuous dinner. Special thanks to Shorelinez, Marcadon, Sweet Temptations and Italy Imports for their donations. Trident Wines kindly provided wines, champagnes and other beverages at special prices.
Dinner was followed by a live auction with 'auctioneer' John Chandler. These items were kindly donated by Sir Cliff Richard, Royal Westmoreland, Apes Hill, Jenny Blanc, Janice Sylvia Brock, Catherine Porter Chee-A-Tow, Le Sport, St Lucia (compliments Rain Chandler) and Andrew Hewkin. This year for the first time our silent auction was created and managed online thanks to Barry Gale and his team of website experts who kindly donated their time to building the site for us. The auctions raised $266,000 for the Trust.
Aubrey Choy again arranged the entertainment; the highlight of the evening came from Sir Cliff who graciously offered to perform several pieces from his repertoire of hits starting off with Congratulations as a tribute to the Trust. Guests partied into the wee hours of Sunday morning and the Because of Jenna Trust extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who made this event a success.
