Annual Charity Gala Supports Jamaica’s Most Deserving and Honours Philanthropists
MIAMI, FL (March 30, 2017) – The “Jamaica Charity Galas” are key among the annual fundraising activities promoted by non-profit The American Friends of Jamaica.
Each year, philanthropists and well wishers gather in Miami, and again in New York, for beautifully appointed evenings of celebration to raise money for worthy causes on the island, and to recognize their most generous peers.
This year’s South Florida event will be hosted in the Grand Ballroom of the Four Seasons Miami on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 6:30 PM.
In 2016, The American Friends of Jamaica raised over US$239,000 for the benefit of Jamaican organizations including the Sickle Cell Trust, SOS Children’s Village and Cornwall Regional Hospital.
This year’s almost sold-out event, with substantial ticket and sponsorship prices, silent auction, and pledge drive, will make significant headway in their goal to exceed previous targets, providing even greater assistance to the island.
Guests, including heads of government, international corporate executives and affluent expatriates, will enjoy breathtaking intracoastal views, an open bar cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, and musical entertainment by Julian Marley.
William Mahfood, Chairman of Wisynco Group Ltd., will be honored with the “2017 International Humanitarian Award” for his leadership and unyielding support of philanthropic programs. Dr. Kevin Coy, Cardiologist and Cheryl Wynter, Public Information Officer, Consulate of Jamaica in Miami, will each receive The “2017 Lignum Vitae Vanguard Award” for outstanding achievement and service in the Jamaican Diaspora.
“We are proud to be honoring the achievements of William Mahfood, a dynamic leader who lives his life generously, as well as Dr. Kevin Coy and Cheryl Wynter, outstanding members of South Florida’s Diaspora community” says Wendy Hart, President of The American Friends of Jamaica.
Discretionary grants and donor-direct grants have been awarded by the group to organizations including Early Childhood Center of Excellence, HEART Institute, Issa Trust Mary Issa Health Center, Music Unites, Pocket Rocket High School Scholarship Program, Rose Town Foundation, Animal House, Breds, Chichibud, Falmouth Heritage, Friends of Hopewell, Gore Foundation, Hanover Charities, JA Epilepsy, JASY, PALS, Project Sprout, and four UWI Bursaries.
The The American Friends of Jamaica is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization built on the principles of service and philanthropy, and is established to render assistance in the areas of Education, Healthcare, and Economic Development. The AFJ Grant Cycle begins at the end of each year and grants are disbursed in April of the following year.
For information on how to become a member or sponsor in support of their mission for Jamaica, please contact 212-265-2550, email [email protected] or visit www.theafj.org.
American Friends of Jamaica Honouree Bios
William Mahfood
2017 Lignum Vitae Vanguard Award
(Outstanding achievement and service in the Jamaican Diaspora)
William Mahfood was appointed Chairman of the WISYNCO Group in 2014 after an outstanding 20-year stint as Managing Director of the Group. WISYNCO Group boasts a stellar track record of growth and investment in Jamaica with leading edge operations in manufacturing, distributing, and retailing of beverages and other consumer products, and quick service restaurants.
William leads with passion for the employee, customer and consumer at all times. He is bullish about creating a strong future for business and the community. With his engaging style and unmatched commercial acumen, he and his WISYNCO team have championed pioneering trends in the beverages and general grocery industry and led the creation of outstanding innovations such as WATA, CRAN-WATA, BIGGA and BOOM energy drink. These along with many other brands including Snapple, Dr. Pepper and CocaCola makes Wisynco one of the largest beverage distribution companies in the Caribbean.
From the day William’s career began as a warehouse supervisor at Wisynco Trading, working for his father and uncle, the founders of the company, he had no choice but to learn the ethics of hard work, and truly appreciate the value of industry, while never losing a connection to the realities of his team members. He brings these values to life every day.
Beyond WISYNCO, William is focused on building a strong Jamaica. He actively serves on teams in support of national interests and community upliftment such as through The Shaggy Foundation, Food for the Poor, Violence Prevention Alliance, Laws Street Trade Training Centre, Crime Stop, the Electricity Sector Enterprise Team, and most recently, in 2014, his appointment as President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica. He has also served on numerous boards including JNBS and BCW Holdings Limited.
In 2011, William Mahfood received an honorary doctor of public service degree from Northern Caribbean University and in 2016, he was awarded the American Chamber of Commerce Business and Civic Leadership Awards for Excellence 2016 President’s Award for contribution to national development and Brand Jamaica.
William holds a BSC in Industrial Engineering and Information Systems from Northeastern University in Boston, Ma. He is married to Frances Feanny and is the proud father of one son and three daughters.
Cheryl Wynter
2017 Lignum Vitae Vanguard Award
(Outstanding achievement and service in the Jamaican Diaspora)
Cheryl Gillian M. Wynter has served as a critical member of the team at the Consulate General of Jamaica employed for the benefit of Jamaicans and the Caribbean community in South Florida and beyond.
A fully prepared public relations executive, Ms. Wynter joined the staff of the Consulate in Miami (1999-2011) as the Jamaica Information Service Overseas Information Officer for the South East USA. She has since continued as Community Relations & Information Officer in the Consulate executing plans for successful events year after year, the highlight being events to commemorate Jamaica’s 55th Anniversary of Independence (2012) across the South Florida communities and beyond, the areas covered under the Consulate’s jurisdiction.
Ms. Wynter has been fittingly recognized by a number of agencies including in South Florida with Cheryl Wynter Day (September 8, 2011) proclaimed by the Broward County Commission, Marcus Mosiah Garvey Community Service Award by Rootz Foundation, the Caribbean Upliftment Award for promoting culture through media and recognition by the Government of Jamaica through the Consulate for outstanding community contribution.
She continues to serve her country in a diplomatic role, with fervor and commitment, interacting and working with all types of personalities in the South Florida community and beyond.
Dr Kevin Coy
2017 Lignum Vitae Vanguard Award
(Outstanding achievement and service in the Jamaican Diaspora)
Dr. Coy is one of the leading physicians and highly skilled cardiologists who specialize in Interventional Cardiovascular procedures at Miami-Dade Cardiology Consultants, (MICC). Currently he is the Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, and Mercy Hospital.
Dr. Coy received his Medical training at the University of Florida where he graduated with honors. He then pursued his cardiology fellowship at the University of California Los Angeles-Cedars Sinai Program.
Dr. Coy and his family moved to South Florida in 1992. He has performed over 10,000 cardiac procedures, and is noted as one of the first doctors to perform complex alcohol septal ablation procedures in Florida.
Dr. Coy has led in the battle against cardiovascular disease, raising awareness and improving the care in our community, and for all of his patients. He is well known and respected locally and internationally.
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