On Thursday 1 December Turks & Caicos AIDS Awareness Foundation (TCAAF) observed World AIDS Day 2011 with a cocktail party hosted by the Veranda, featuring a fashion show by talented local designer Kazz Forbes of Saint George Fashion House. Hundreds of people came out to drink champagne and nibble tasty hors d’oeuvres while being treated to a special presentation of two spectacular SGFH collections – first the celebrated “Le Caicos Chic” and then the debut of “Red
Afrique: For a Cause” which is inspired by those affected by HIV and AIDS. SGFH’s showcase wowed the party goers and brought the evening to another level.
The TCAAF Directors took a few minutes out of the night to honour fellow founding Director Dr Dawn O’Sullivan in recognition of her invaluable ongoing contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Turks & Caicos. Dr O’Sullivan graciously acknowledged the tribute: “I am truly humbled, as all the work is done by the unsung heroes of the TCAAF. However I am so proud to accept this honour on behalf of them and the community workers caring for people living with HIV and AIDS.”
The proceeds from the evening will go towards running programmes at the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre. Four years ago the TCAAF began building the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre in order to provide the young people of the TCI with a safe, fun place to spend their free time, develop hobbies and learn new skills. The Centre recently celebrated its 3rd anniversary and currently has over 1000 members and sees over 50 young people per day. It offers a number of fun and productive activities, such as tutoring, playing basketball, doing research in the Centre’s computer suite, dance classes, various art and crafts, and monthly seminars run by Rapport, the youth arm of the National AIDS Programme. The Centre caters for 12-18 year olds. The Youth Centre relies on funds raised by the TCAAF, and various
other donors, in order to keep its doors open. The Centre members do not pay a fee.
“This year’s World AIDS Day theme here in the TCI was ‘Getting to Zero through Community Participation towards Eradication’ which was very fitting as over 200 members of our community came out to support us on the night” said TCAAF President, Jeanne Savory. “Without our community’s continued generosity the Youth Centre could not continue to provide young people with such important programmes which open up doors for a brighter future. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all those who support the TCAAF in any number of ways.”
“We would also like to thank Kazz Forbes for amazing our guests with two extraordinary collections. He is a wonderful example of the huge talent and endless potential found among young people in the Turks & Caicos. Our appreciation also goes to Kulbhushan Tyagi and Angelo Robinson from The Veranda, who were both instrumental in making the evening such a success. Not only was the event carefully planned out and the venue beautifully presented – the Veranda generously donated 10% of the evening’s cash bar as well!”
Further gratitude must go to the sponsors of the party – Wine Cellar and FOTTAC; the humourous MC for the night Penryn Brooks; Pennylane Studios; Hezron Henry and Rapport volunteers; Youth Centre volunteers Cherish and Kelisa; Wilma Dietsche of CBMS; and Raffle prize donors – Goldsmith, the Sands, Hemmingways, Villa del Mar, Caicos Dream Tours, Marin Restaurant at Veranda, and Rouge Grill at Grace Bay Club.
