Third World, Leon to perform at benefit concert

The Issa Trust Foundation says that the iconic Jamaican band Third World and Leon from the movie “Cool Runnings” will perform, on Saturday, at a fundraising gala at the posh Sony Hall in Manhattan to assist with construction of a new children’s health center in Richmond, St. Ann, Jamaica.
The foundation said the clinic will be named the Mary Issa Health Center in honor of Mary Issa, the deceased family matriarch who was passionately committed to health care for children during her lifetime.
The facility will provide expertise in cardiology, nephrology, gastroenterology, oncology and mental health support, the foundation said.
It said vision screening will be offered, along with free glasses, if needed.
The Issa Trust Foundation said the gala will feature live performance by Third World band, and gourmet dinner and premium cocktails will precede the nostalgic journey down memory lane.
Third World is expected to perform classics such as “Now That We’ve Found Love,” “Try Jah Love,” “96 Degrees in the Shade” and “Dancing on the Floor.”
Leon and the Peoples, a New York City-based band, led by African American actor Leon, from the smash bobsled movie “Cool Runnings,” will also perform, the foundation said.

To help to get the word out to members of the Jamaican/Caribbean Diaspora, the Issa Trust Foundation said that Jamaican Conroy Allison, broadcaster from Winner’s Circle radio, FM, has “stepped up to the plate and brokered a deal to have the PSA air at the top of the hour on WVIP, 93.5 FM.”
The PSA started airing in early October and will continue until show time on Saturday.
“I feel privileged to assist the Issa Trust Foundation get the word out for their supremely worthwhile fundraiser on Nov. 12,” Allison told Caribbean Life. “Many thanks to the management of WVIP, 93.5 F.M. for supporting this project, with valuable air time, which is so necessary to get the word out to our Caribbean community.
“Proceeds for the gala will be used to assist with construction of the much-needed children’s healthcare facility in St. Ann, the ‘Garden Parish’ of Jamaica,” he added.

The Issa Trust Foundation said Saturday’s event will include a silent auction and a pledge drive that will help to generate the funding necessary to build the clinic.
One of the driving forces behind the project is Paul Issa, chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation.
“Health centers in Jamaica exist to provide primary care, taking the strain off the local public hospitals,” Issa said. “Our facility will specifically cater to children and young people, offering pediatric health care and adolescent services to the youth of the Ocho Rios general area, with a holistic approach that considers not only the physical but the mental and social support for our young people.”
Third World is, perhaps, reggae’s most enduring and consistently popular crossover band.
For many years, it has enjoyed a solid and a loyal support base in New York City.
“There is already growing excitement for the gala from not just Diasporans in the tri-state region but also from repeat visitors to Couples Resorts and New York area travel partners who want to help,” the foundation said.
The gala runs from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., with MC being celebrity national radio jock Pat McKay of SiriusXM.