"The Gift” created and donated by Chantal Y.E. Bethel, which is an original oil on canvas with gold leaf, has been donated by the artist to help raise funds during the raffle. Artwork photography by Erik J. Russell

Freeport, Grand Bahama - Final preparations are underway for “Memories - A String of Pearls” – the spectacular 30^th Anniversary celebration for the Grand Bahama Children’s Home on Friday, October 15^th at Our Lucaya.

“We will be bringing to Grand Bahama a spectacular celebration of wonderful food, fantastic entertainment and a whole lot of fun – all to benefit our children,” says Mrs. Lesley Baptista, Executive Committee Member.

Guests at the event can expect a welcome glass of wine courtesy of Bristol Cellars, a wonderful menu of hot and cold hors d’ouerves, specialty stations and desserts prepared by Our Lucaya, a show-stopping performance from the original stage production Ain’t Misbehavin’ directed by Gloria McGlone, an exquisite show of jewelry modeled by reigning Bahamian beauty queens and a fantastic raffle full of wonderful prizes including artwork donated by Chantal Y.E. Bethel and Claudette Dean and many other gifts and gift certificates.

A major highlight of the event is having Her Excellency Lady Joan Foulkes as patron, in addition to special guest The Honourable Loretta Butler-Turner, Minister of State for Social Development. Organizers are encouraging attendees to get into the spirit of the specially themed “Memories – a String of Pearls” with black or white attire and, of course, pearls. The celebration will wrap up with dancing to the tunes of MLD Productions.

These "Pearls" will help commemorate the 30 year Anniversary of the GB Children's Home. “Caribbean Pearls” is a giclee (print on canvas) created and donated by Claudette Dean for the fundraiser. Artwork photography: Erik J. Russell

In addition to the entertainment on the night the Committee has also received some tremendous prizes from the community for their raffle. “We were overwhelmed that Chantel Y.E. Bethel and Claudette Dean have both contributed beautiful artwork for us to raffle,” said Mrs. Geneva Rutherford. “We also have 4 sets of jewelry, gift certificates and other surprises – we have a full listing on our facebook and website page. We hope this will add to our success on the night.”

The Children’s Home committee is grateful to all of the corporations that have contributed to this event - including all of the media companies - and they are encouraging the Grand Bahama community to round out the support by purchasing tickets for the special anniversary celebration.

“Come on out and have a wonderful evening and help us raise much needed funds – every ticket… every donation… every bit helps us take care of these children – over 2,000 of whom have found a safe haven at the Grand Bahama Children’s Home over the past 30 years,” says Mrs. Sarah Kirkby, Executive Committee Member.

Tickets are $75 in advance, $80 at the door, and can be purchased at The Seventeen Shop, Barefoot Marketing, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Le Rendezvous Restaurant in the International Bazaar, and Vopak. The venue will be the crescent pool at Our Lucaya and in the unlikely event of inclement weather the festivities will be moved indoors to Lighthouse Point.