Jamaican Basic Schools Benefit from Fundraising Ball

The United Kingdom-based Jamaica Basic School Foundation held its annual fundraising ball in London last weekend, with the proceeds from the event to benefit basic schools in Jamaica.
The organization has raised more than $20 million to support basic schools across Jamaica since it was established in 1995.
Founder and Chairman Josephine Williams, told JIS News that the Foundation’s annual ball will be held in Jamaica in June of next year.
She said the decision to take the fundraising event to the island was to increase awareness among Jamaicans about the work of the charity and to get more people involved. “We have been getting such a positive feedback and we just want it to grow and get more and more people involved to learn more about the organisation, and support what we are doing,” Ms. Williams stated.
A special feature of this year’s ball was a short film produced by the Jamaica Information Service, which showed the work of the Foundation in Jamaica and a number of the schools and children that have benefited from the funds raised.
The charity celebrates its 13th anniversary this year. Patrons include the Jamaican High Commissioner to London, Burchell Whiteman; Lord Morris of Handsworth; former England footballer John Barnes; and former West Indies fast bowler and captain, Courtney Walsh.
Special guests at this year’s ball include Minister of Tourism, Ed Bartlett and High Commissioner to London, Burchell Whiteman.