JAAC president (Left), Yasmin Facey,  presenting honoree, Claudette Grant, with her award.  2nd photo: Miss Fae Ellington, Ernie Smith

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – (Sunday, November 11) – Over 400 attendees came out in support of the Jamaica Awareness Association of California (JAAC) 26th Annual Scholarship Awards Fundraiser Banquet held at the Los Angeles Marriott Hotel Saturday evening.

In an intimate setting, scores of tables filled the spacious decorated and lavished LAX hotel ballroom as seated guests dined and wined for a special cause.

The event kicked off with a prayer by Rev. Dr. Arthur Chang, followed by the American national anthem sang by Ms. Sulvi Torres and Jamaican national anthem by all in attendance.

Flown in from Kingston, the entertaining and witty Jamaican broadcaster-actress Ms. Fae Ellington, a frequent host of the event, was the Master of Ceremonies for the night.

As the dinner was winding down, Ms. Yasmin V. Facey, JAAC President, was introduced to the podium by Ms Ellington.

Ms Yasmin began by commending the organization and its members for their 26 years of service and also wished Jamaica a very happy 5oth Anniversary, as recognition to Jamaica Golden Jubilee independence celebration earlier in August.

She also used the opportunity to reflect on the country’s achievements and challenges and a call for all Jamaicans home and abroad to come together in unity towards a single goal of national development.

“I continue to be amazed over my 11 years of association with the JAAC, at the tremendous amount of time, talent, and treasure that our volunteers continue to pour into this charitable cause.” she said in her brief message to the audience which consisted mostly of Jamaicans.

She asked the members to continue their effort with steadfastness, in a spirit of brotherhood and respect, despite the frequent challenges.

“I firmly believe that we will continue to make a difference in the lives of the countless individuals we serve,” she concluded.

Ms. Facey received an award on behalf of JAAC members.

MC Fae Ellington introduced guest speaker Dr. Ray Fraser, SMO of Annotto Bay Hospital who gave a brief speech followed by the 2008 Enid Davis Scholarship recipient Ackime Thomas.

2012 Honorees were Ms Claudette Grant who was present to give her acceptance speech.  And Mr. Winston Wellington, owner of Travellers Beach Resort in Negril, provided housing at a discount rate for JAAC members on their mission trips to Jamaica.

Honoree Mr. Dennis Hawthorne (Dennis Photography and Shipping), whose shipping company transports computers to Jamaica for JAAC, was awarded but was not present to accept his award.

Works of art master painter, Mr. Bernard Hoyes, were in live auction at the event.

A night full of performances by the veteran reggae entertainer Ernie Smith followed by a live band called Better Chemistry was shortlisted due to time constraints.  Marcus B and Nigel of Red Alert Sound closed out the night that kept the young and old on their dancing feet.

Overall, a fun evening and another successful event for one of LA’s longest running non-profit organization that strives to help underprivileged Jamaicans.