Guyana American Foundation to host 54th Republic Anniversary fundraiser at Woodbine Ballroom

Multi-Award-winning cultural ambassador Lady Ira Lewis told Caribbean Life that the stage is set to commemorate Guyana’s 54th Republic Anniversary, Mashramani, during an extravagant night of entertainment on Feb. 24, at the elegant Woodbine Ballroom on Church Avenue in Brooklyn.

Lewis, a Georgetown-born native, humanitarian, and founder of the Guyana American Heritage Foundation of East Orange, New Jersey (GAHF) and who was promoted to executive legislative manager in the office of recently elected Senator Britnee N. Timberlake of the he 34th Legislative District, will bring a group of artistes to the stage for a night of cultural nostalgia.

Titled: Know Ya Culture Guyana Mash Dance, the event that will raise funds to continue educational youth programs in Guyana, in addition to an Annual Christmas Party and Gift Giving, will feature special guest Gucci Boss, King Aquarius – DJ Batman, DJ Flexx and Ralph the One-Man Band, while highlighting Guyana’s multicultural heritage.

Life Skills Center in Agricola Village in Guyana’s East Bank of Demerara, co-founded by Lewis, to prepare young adults for the workforce, will benefit from the Guyana Mash Dance fundraising.

In addition to the distribution of 10,000 packs of disinfecting wet wipes to various organizations in New Jersey, New York and Guyana during the coronavirus pandemic Lewis continues community outreaches, and assured Caribbean Life that this event will raise much needed monies, as it celebrates the Republic’s six races of people.

Guyana which became a Republic on Feb. 23, 1970, will be celebrated at events in New Jersey, and New York said Lewis.

“I am calling on Guyanese and friends, to come out and celebrate Mashamani. We must keep our culture alive. It is something we cannot live without. If we lose our culture, we lose ourselves,” she said.

“Guyanese must pass on the culture to their children. We are celebrating 54 years as a Republic. The meaning of Mashramani comes from the culture of our indigenous people which means the celebration of a job well done, happiness, jump up and have a good time, said the extraordinary Lewis, who is a stalwart in the community.

“All of the profits will be going to charity, to the Guyana America Foundation, the planning of Annual Independence Flag raising in May, and the Annual Family Funday on July 14. I am representing Guyana my country of six races, said Lady Ira Lewis, who shared that patrons could contact her at 973-951-9898, Doris at the Hills Restaurant in Brooklyn, or Woodbine Ballroom for tickets.

A donated 60-in TV will go to a lucky ticket holder. I must give back to my community, she added.