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| CCJ PRESS Contact:
Tammy Petersen CHICAGO
CONCERNED JAMAICANS LAUNCH BOOK DRIVE FOR SCHOOL IN KINGSTON CHICAGO, IL April 11, 2003 -- The Chicago Concerned Jamaicans announced the donation of 28 boxes of books to Jamaica College in Kingston in early April. The organization, dedicated to supporting education in Jamaica, is assisting the Jamaica College Old Boys Association in restocking the recently refurbished library. The Jamaica College library was closed five years ago due to economic restraints. The Old Boys Association repaired and repainted, rebuilt shelves and launched a book drive in which CCJ was asked to participate. They plan to restock the library with reference books, historical books, biographies and everything a modern library requires. “We are thrilled that this book drive was such as great success,” said Clover King-Thompson, President of CCJ. “We know these books will give the library a great head start and help to continue the school’s rich tradition of excellence in the academic field.” Jamaica College is one of the oldest boys schools in Jamaica and the Caribbean and boasts students from a wide cross-section of the community. Over the years it has nurtured a rich tradition in athletic and academic fields. Its alumni continue to play important roles in the religious, political, business and professional services of Jamaica. The books were transported to Jamaica courtesy of the generous support of Air Jamaica who has been a strong supporter of the Chicago Concerned Jamaicans. CCJ is comprised of Jamaicans and friends living in Chicago and surrounding areas. The organization has provided more than US $210,000 in goods, services and donations to students, libraries and other institutions in Jamaica and the United States. For more information on CCJ, call 312-602-4548. Date: November 2002 As temperatures fall in the windy city, the Chicago Concerned Jamaicans plan to turn up the heat at their 15th Annual Gala on November 09, 2002. Once again, the organization's major fundraising event will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Chicago and promises to live up to its reputation of being hot, hot, hot! The theme, DARE TO DREAM, ASPIRE TO SUCCEED, encompasses an inspiring story about the best Jamaicans can be and honors this year's Achievement Award recipients, the Jamaica Bobsleigh Federation. The Federation's President and former member of the "Hottest Thing on Ice," Chris Stokes, will be on hand to introduce a new book about the team's struggle. As he explains it, "the Jamaica Bobsleigh Team is about having a dream, suffering to achieve that dream and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles to earn the respect of the best competitors in the world." The Chicago Concerned Jamaicans recognize this as the challenge Jamaican children face in achieving an education in a rapidly declining economy. Every student CCJ helps has dreamt, suffered and overcome with the help of the generous supporters of our annual gala. We recognize that we could not dare to dream our dream without the help of essential sponsors and faithful guests. In attendance, as guest speaker, will be the Right Honorable Seymour Mullings, Jamaican Ambassador to the United States. Jamaica's premier dance band, FAB FIVE, will keep the rhythm of the evening going with their scintillating mix of Caribbean music. The proceeds of the gala should go a long way in helping CCJ realize its dream of providing educational support to students in need. This year, the organization hopes to complete its project of providing a computer suite, complete with Internet access, for every public library in Jamaica. The core focus of providing scholarships for students has been expanded to include over 90 renewable scholarships. Under the banner, Feeding Bodies Equals Feeding Minds, the all-important feeding program will also be expanded to more schools in which a balanced breakfast will be served to needy children. CCJ is a "grass roots" organization administered by a small cadre of resourceful volunteers. All contributions go directly to students or educational organizations. SPONSORS INCLUDE: Air Jamaica Limited; Baxter International; Cap, Gemini, Ernst & Young; LEK Consulting; KPMG Peat Marwick; Deloitte & Touche; Bert Smith Co.; Apple Vacations; Sandals/Beaches; Superclubs; FDR Resorts. For further information contact a CCJ Member at 312-602-4548.
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