Raises JA$6.5 Million Dollars for Jamaica's Young Women
By
A. Frischauer-Bernard
Sunday, April 13, was a day of shared joy and pain, a celebration of lives
and achievements, the ability to endure abuse and suffering, and to overcome
through strength and determination. But most of all, it was about
Sisterhood. The CPTC's (Creative Production & Training Centre)
studios were host to a live 'Mediathon' entitled "Sisters to Sisters,"
under the International Women's Day theme, "Financing for Gender
Equality." Sponsored by the Ministry of Information, Culture,
Youth and Sports (MICYS), the objective was to raise JA$10 million for the
Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation and the establishment of a shelter being
built by the Bureau for Women's Affairs for battered women.
Marcia Griffiths and Lady G Performed Together
There
was an amazing presence of successful women of all professions, both
participating and in attendance. Amongst these remarkable women lending
their valuable time and talents were The Hon. Olivia "Babsy" Grange
(Minister of Information, Culture & Sport), who's to be thanked and
commended for hosting and taking part in pioneering such a worthy
event. Former Minister of Tourism, The Hon. Aloun N'dombet-Assamba, was
one of many to share her personal experiences of abuse with viewers.
Additional guests included Leonie Forbes, Denise Hunt, Jenny Jenny, Denise
"Isis" Miller, and a contingent of
media personalities. A truly regal selection of female performers, many
of whom not only entertained but helped take calls live on the air,
included Nadine Sutherland, Carlene Davis, Queen Ifrica, Cherine
Anderson, Alaine, Etana, and D'Angel. One of the many highlights was
Lady G performing a combination, very symbolic of sisterhood, with the
legendary Marcia Griffiths. It is hoped that the sisterhood experienced at
"Sisters to Sisters" will continue and reflect in the industry from
this day forward.
Mamayashi (l) Cherine Anderson (2nd left), Macka Diamond (2nd right), Teasea, and Duane Bennett (c)
Many participants were required to make this event happen, and there was an
awesome turnout of industry people who provided logistical support.
Phone lines were setup to handle the vast amount of calls received and the
pledges were numerous. Companies took notice of "Sisters to Sisters"
and gave generously. Grace Foods pledged JA$1,000,000 and Anthony
Abrahams, from News Talk 93FM, pledged $500,000 and JA$1,000,000 in
advertising to the cause. In addition to corporate pledges, musicians
Carol Gonzales, Cherine Anderson, and international star Nelly Furtado, who
has often been affiliated with Jamaican music and culture, made pledges. Many children called into the studios,
excited to take part and made pledges of whatever they could spare, JA$500 or
JA$100 contributions, because every little bit helps, and every single
donation counts. The fact that the younger generation was so happy to
take part is further testimony to the success of the event overall.
Cherine took phone pledges
After six hours of live performances, interviews and coverage on stations CVM
and TVJ, as well as other cable and internet TV stations, including Negril
TV, it was estimated that $6.5 million of the $10 million target had been
raised! However, it is not over yet. For anyone wishing to pledge, there is still
time to make your contributions to this extremely worthy cause. The
deadline to reach the targeted goal of $10 million is May 30, 2008. You still have time!
To make a pledge contact the Women’s Center of Jamaica Foundation 1-876-929-7608, or contact editor@reggaereport.com for more
information.
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