Adams declares Issa Trust Foundation Day in NYC
Mayor Eric Adams declared Saturday, May 11, 2024 as the “Issa Trust Foundation Day” in the City of New York in acknowledgement of the work the foundation is conducting in community health improvement and education, and ongoing efforts to raise funds for the Mary Issa Pediatric and Adolescent Health Centre in St. Ann, Jamaica.
“Whereas, the Issa Trust Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 2005, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of individuals in Jamaica through its comprehensive approach to education, healthcare and community development…Now, therefore, I, Eric Adams, Mayor of the City of New York, do hereby proclaim Saturday, May 11, 2024, in the City of New York as The Issa Trust Foundation Day,” said Adams in a proclamation, read on his behalf, on Saturday at the foundation’s fundraising gala at the elegant Cipriani’s 42nd Street in Manhattan.
Performers at the benefit gala included Third World, and friends Luciano, Gramps and Kumar.
The New York City event featured music and a silent auction that generated necessary funds to build the Clinic in St. Ann.
Lady Allen, wife of the governor general of Jamaica, told the gathering: “This facility is well needed and long overdue.
“I welcome and solicit the support of the Diaspora and other friends at this fundraising gala for the Mary Issa Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center in St. Ann, Jamaica,” she said. “This will be the first health center in Jamaica dedicated solely to young people.”
Lady Juliet Allen with Proclamation from NY Mayor Eric Adams. Photo by Anthony “ER Guru” Turner
Juliet Holness, wife of Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica, said: “I throw my full support behind the work of the Issa Trust Foundation, as they play their part in helping Jamaica provide world class healthcare to young Jamaicans.”
The musical feast started with Cat Coore, a founding member of Third World, and Kumar warming up the crowd with “I Pledge My Heart Forever.”
Third World then took patrons on a musical excursion with “Dreamland,” “Reggae Ambassadors,” “Now That We Found Love,” “Loving You” and “You’re The Only One.”
Ann Andreas, business development manager-Couples Resorts; Victoria Harper, district sales manager-JTB; Leon – actor and DeAna Haywood-Top 50 Jamaica Travel Specialist.
Photo by Anthony “ER Guru” Turner
The capacity crowd gave a rousing applause when Gramps Morgan segued into the Morgan Heritage’s classic, “Down by the River”, and a heartfelt rendition of “People Like You”, which he dedicated to his recently-deceased brother, Peter Morgan, and drummer Desi Jones, who passed that day.
Luciano dug into his catalogue, delivering “This One for The Leaders,” “Sweep Over My Soul” and “It’s Me Again Jah.”
AJ Brown at Issa Foundation “For The Children” gala 2024 in Manhattan. Photo by Anthony “ER Guru” Turner
Third World’s lead singer AJ Brown stunned with a spellbinding rendition of Andrea Bocelli’s opera hit, “Time to Say Goodbye.”
The “For The Children” gala climaxed with the Marley classic “One Love,” which featured Luciano; Gramps; Kumar; Cool Runnings actor, Leon; and a surprise appearance by Mrs. Holness, who joined the curtain call.
Issa Foundation Chairman Paul Issa and Executive Director Diane Pollard addressed the ceremony earlier.
The Issa Family members pioneered modern tourism in Jamaica and now they are giving back to communities in Jamaica through, among other things, last weekend’s fundraising gala.
