Photos: Alex Diaz
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Freeport, Bahamas - When the group of volunteers coined the theme:
An Evening in Paris, it was known instantly that this would make the 2014 Red Rose Ball truly a night to remember.
Over
the years it has been the challenge of the organizers to add spice to
our usual ball format on the island by incorporating themes from exotic
lands that would link our attendees to a taste of different cultures
that have become a part of our society. The most recent themes were Las
Vegas, India, China and Africa, and all have been well received and
attended.
The
event held November 1st, 2014 was the place to be at the Grand Ballroom
at the Grand Lucayan, and the black-tie event was made possible through
the support of many partners in the Grand Bahama business community who
generously donated to the cause of the Committee and its slogan
“PREVENTION NOW!” If anyone can host an event, it's The Red Rose Ball Committee…
As
guests made their way to the Ballroom in the interim they enjoyed the
cocktail hour reception just simply conversing, capturing memorable shots and catching up with friends and attendees.
In
another private area special guests, executive committee members and
executive partners attended an award ceremony. Hosted by MC Brenton
Wright, welcoming was done by chairman, Odette Knowles and remarks were
heard from Dr. Monique Pratt who admonished the partners to continue
supporting the worthy cause, and to continue to offer assistance to the
fund raising efforts of the committee.
There
were no misconceptions about the theme for the evening’s gala as Creme
de La Crème and decorator Andrew Forbes brought it home taking
inspiration from An Evening in Paris theme, setting the mood for
attendees, and taking them directly into Paris. Entering the ballroom
was truly “An Evening under the Eiffel Tower.”
Photos: Alex Diaz
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After the entrance of
the head table was announced The night's program began with the prayer
by Judge Estelle Gray-Evans. The Singing of the national anthem was
done by Marlene Knowles coupled with the display of colours of the
Bahamian flag by the Royal Bahamas Police Force followed by performance
by the Grand Bahama Dance Theatre which delighted the crowd with their
opening routine number, conducted by Jullion Collie, choreographer,
performing to a medley of Moulin Rouge ensembles.
Attendees
were well entertained, our very own home grown designer Gaberilla
Wilmner had models showcasing her original handmade, one of a kind
diamond Jewel hand bags which were a collection of elegant and chic
designs.
The
reason for the event never left the minds of the organizers, in the
absence of the named Guest Speaker, It was undoubtedly, unequivocally
and without question most deserving that our Minister of Health, Dr.
Perry Gomez filled in as our Keynote Speaker, that for us was so
meaningful. Who he was, ( The Minister of Health) made
it right, what he said and, more importantly, sharing the history
regarding HIV/AIDS in the Bahamas was important for us to know where we
stand as a country and where one should go for assistance.
It was indeed a pleasure to have new supporters added to this years
event, we are grateful for first time supporters Body4Ever team under
the leadership of Charniece and Desmond Bain who
purchased 2 full tables at this year's event pulling out all the stops
with Ladies and Gents with a new attitude for supporting such a
worthy cause, also, new supporter attorney LaQuay Laing and Emporium
Caskets as an Executive Partner. We always welcome new supporters to assist in the fight against HIV/AIDS, we are grateful for your
support and invite you to bring new supporters with you next year.
It
was time to dine under dimmed lights listening to the sultry and
melodious dinner music provided by the two left feet band. The
Convention and Catering Department at the Grand Lucayan under the
direction of Kevin Clarke, Director, Ian Brown Banquet Manager and Cora
Cartwright, Conventions Service Manager along with able chefs Kirk
Russell really worked with the committee to ensure the event ran
smoothly and most of all soothe the pallets with a full five course
meal.
Photos: Alex Diaz
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Our Award
Presentation started out with Long time supporters New Image Beauty
Supply, Polymers International, PharmaChem, StatOil, Emporium Caskets, TheBahamasWeekly.com, BTC, and the Ministry of Tourism.
We were also
grateful for the support of Miss Universe Bahamas, Tomii Culmer who
made a
personal donation to the committee and assisted in the
presentation to our Partners along with Chairman Odette Knowles and Lin
Glinton.
Our MC’s for the evening were masters Mark Gardiner and Brenton Wright. This dynamic duo took to the stage an over-abundance of
charismatic qualities and commanded the attention of the audience,
entering the Ballroom on bicycles, they coordinated their attire to
depict that of French Officer/ Inspector Keeping their promise as the
perfect Masters of Ceremonies they made sure that all in audience felt
they profited from attending the event incorporating some of the
attendees as part of the event, showcasing Some French accents being a
good sport and also had a good time while supporting the cause all in
good fun.
It was time
for more excitement, time for the in-house raffle; everyone had a chance
to win one or more fabulous prizes valued at more than $500.00 each,
courtesy of our donors, A laptop computer and Bag from Bellevue, a
weekend stay for (2) at The Grand Lucayan Resort; a $500.00 gift
certificate for ladies shoes at Steppin Out; Samsung Galaxy Cellphone
courtesy of BTC; and a professional photography package courtesy of
Kensington Studios and photographer Alex Diaz. All winner were very
happy with their prizes. We thank our donors for their participation in
our in-house raffle
.
Yes,
it was another year of success for The Red Rose Ball Committee and we
wholeheartedly thank our out of town supporters, the wider community and
especially our Executive, Corporate and Partner Sponsors for your
belief and support in our ability to fulfil the purpose of our being
which is to give unselfishly to those in need, to be our brother's
keeper and to ensure that we educate our communities on the importance
of "Prevention Now". Again, we say thank you for your continued
support to this worthy cause.
See you “In Morocco" at Red Rose Ball 2015!
See MORE PHOTOS on Facebook.
Photos: Alex Diaz
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Photos: Alex Diaz
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Our Award Presentation started out with long time supporters of the event. New Image Beauty Supply, Polymers International, PharmaChem, StatOil, Emporium Caskets, TheBahamasweekly.com, BTC and the Ministry of Tourism. Presentations were assisted by Miss Universe Bahamas, Tomii Culmer, Odette Knowles, and Lin Glinton. (Photos: Alex Diaz)
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