South Florida Fundraiser

What originated as plans for another fundraiser for St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS), culminated in an all inclusive extravaganza to also raise funds for the Caribbean Heart Menders Association (CHMA), and a reunion for the graduating class of ‘73.

David Jamieson, member of the STATHS 1973 graduating class, who has passionately and continuously “given back” to his alma mater, wanted to share the wealth. It was his desire to help CHMA raise monies for another mission to Jamaica where a volunteer team of doctors and nurses from Florida could perform heart surgeries on as many children as possible. Thus, the planning began for an event that would benefit both organizations.

On November 24, 2007, David and his wife Pauline (CHMA member) invited over 300 people to a dinner-dance at their home. Popular Disc Jockey Mark Swaby and Charlie Kennedy (Jenifer Thelwell’s husband) donated their services, by providing the music that kept patrons dancing into the wee hours of the morning. Artist Marvin Ferguson from Jamaica donated a piece of artwork that was raffled with proceeds going to the CHMA.

This was a fun filled and successful event that not only raised needed funds for both organizations but also brought together past students from all over the USA, Canada and Jamaica as well as from different graduating classes. Classmates from the 1973 graduating class could not contain their emotions when they saw friends and schoolmates for the first time since graduation, some as far back as 30 years.

The prior evening, Clinton Taylor, also a member of the class of ’73, along with his wife Avis, hosted a “meet and greet” at their home. Classmates from different graduating class enjoyed an evening of food and music and most of all mingled and reminisced about their years at STATHS.

At both events past students left with parting words from David and Robert Wan, another member of the STATHS graduating class of ’73, to not forget where they received their foundation. The school lacks necessary items such as books, computers, furniture, etc. They were asked to donate their time and resources to the school to help the current students. Contributions can also be made to a scholarship and welfare fund established in Jamaica by Robert.

Contributed by Lorna Betty