Net Proceeds of $28M From Cece Winans Gospel Concert Formally Handed Over to Beneficiaries

Net proceeds totalling $28 million from the CeCe Winans ‘More Than This’ concert, staged on Emancipation Day, August 1, have been formally handed over to beneficiaries from several local organisations, in support of sustained charitable initiatives.

The official handover ceremony was held on Wednesday (November 26) at Kings House.

The concert attracted more than 15,000 patrons and showcased an outstanding performance by renowned American gospel singer CeCe Winans, who was supported by some of Jamaica’s leading gospel artistes.

As a beneficiary of the proceeds, the Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE) will direct its $3-million allocation towards supporting the higher education pursuits of persons affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, commended the organisers, the ‘Come Alive Collective’, for their altruistic effort.

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the donation directed to the GGPE could not be more timely. These resources will assist individuals and families striving to rebuild their lives, especially parents and students who are on the pathway to gain higher education. The funds will be directed in that path to help them to undertake some of the expenses that they have, [as] some of them will not have the resources as a result of the hurricane and its impact on families,” he said.

The Governor-General noted that the Come Alive Collective, supported by its dedicated partners, sponsors, and well-wishers, demonstrates that acts of service – when carried out with sincerity – possess the power to uplift communities and strengthen the nation.

“On behalf of the beneficiaries, I express deep and sincere appreciation for the contributions that will support the Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence, the Ophthalmology Department at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, the Yadel Home for Children, the Open Door Jamaica Foundation, and other organisations tirelessly serving the vulnerable people of Jamaica. I trust that the fruits of this initiative will continue to bring comfort, healing, and opportunity. May the spirit of unity and compassion that inspired this concert remain as a guiding light as we work together to build a stronger, kinder and more resilient country,” he added.

Chairman of the Come Alive Collective, Eric Hosin, said the initiative represents an investment in lives, the strengthening of institutions, and the building of a better Jamaica “filled with greater healing, opportunity, and hope”.

“As we had promised, 100 per cent of the net proceeds are going to charity. The funds will bring direct tangible benefit across several deserving organisations,” he stated.

Allocations to the other beneficiary organisations include the Bustamante Hospital for Children (Ophthalmology Unit), which received $17 million to fund the purchase of a Phacoemulsification machine for cataract surgeries; the Christian Fellowship and Scripture Union, which received $3 million; the local charitable organisation, Open Door Jamaica Foundation, which received $2 million; and Yadel Home for Children, which also received $2 million.

A special presentation of $1 million will also be made to Food For the Poor Jamaica.

This additional allotment, approved in direct response to the urgent humanitarian needs arising from Hurricane Melissa, ensures that the concert’s impact extends to families and communities currently engaged in rebuilding.

These contributions stem directly from the concert organisers’ commitment to donate the event’s net proceeds, thereby advancing national development and uplifting Jamaica’s most vulnerable communities.

In addition, GraceKennedy Financial Group has donated $1 million to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to assist displaced officers residing in parishes impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

The allocation comprises $500,000 contributed through the company’s online public donation portal, complemented by an additional $500,000 donated directly by the entity.