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Community : Service Organizations Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


Red Rose Ball delivers Parisian flair and HIV/AIDS awareness
By Odette Knowles, RRB Committee
Nov 7, 2014 - 8:43:55 AM

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Photos: Alex Diaz

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.”

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Photos: Alex Diaz

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.

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Photos: Alex Diaz

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

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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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