Monday, December 17, 2007

             Revelers at last Saturday's Xmas Bash in Florida

The Florida Alumni did it again! They out did themselves!

With over 300 revelers packed into the teeming West Broward Hall in Pembroke Pine, swaying to the music provided by DJ Mark Swaby and his Illusions Disco, the night was destined to deliver all that it had promised.

The attendance at the bash Saturday night surpassed all the others we have held over the past 4 years. The revelers got what they came for – great music, tasty food, camaraderie with friends and an awesome atmosphere.

Amid the din of the chatter of the revelers and the blaring and mellow sounds of the DJ, the night of non-stop dancing and fun just had no end.  The festivities kicked off at 10 pm and from the time the doors opened the party got going. 

There was a pause to welcome our special awardees - Winsome Halliman for her contribution to reinstate the 6th form at XLCR, Lebert Halliman for his leadership and coaching of the Soccer teams and Neville Myton for his prowess as an Olympian track athlete and for his contribution to sports in Jamaica.

We thanked our sponsors whose contributions helped to defray the cost of the event - Air Jamaica, Jamaica National, Apricot Stationery, Watson and Company, and CBAH Home Care. Our own Public relations board member – Michael Aitcheson was the masters of ceremony and in his cool style provided laughter to the crowd.  Mike A. must be commended for developing the radio ad for all our events as well as airing the ads on his weekly radio shows at no expense to our organization!

The revelers did not miss a beat, as the music re-started, the dance floor was again flooded with people eager to dance and enjoy the music.

With more than 300 revelers, the venue accommodated them well.  The wrap around patio with the picturesque lake in the background and the whiff of the cool Florida breeze created a meet and greet environment that allowed friends to catch up on happenings of family and friends.  Some snuggled on each others laps, some took strolls along the lake, others stood for hours just chatting, while others chose to just stand and soak up the music as they sipped on drinks or consumed the food.

The second pause for the night gave our fellow alumni and friends a chance to win one of 3 prizes.  The first prize - 2 tickets to Jamaica courtesy of Air Jamaica, the second prize – 2 sets of dinner for 4 tickets at Café Calypso and the third prize – A gift basket loaded with Jamaican pastries courtesy of West Indian Flavors. 

During this intermission, we were able to acknowledge our alumni friends from New York and Jamaica as well as members of a wide range of alumni from other Jamaican high schools.  We got an opportunity to give praises to our 7-a-side soccer team that received the 2nd place honors at the recently Calabar organized event and show off the trophy.

As the night progressed, it was evident that no one was leaving.  The music intensified and the dance floor remained covered with patrons.  As the 4 am deadline approached and passed, we were reluctantly forced, due to contractual obligations, to nicely thank everyone for coming and regretfully ushered them out…the last song played, the music stopped and the lights came on. 

As the board members started the clean-up phase and the patrons filed pass us, we were congratulated for once again hosting the “best” December party in South Florida! Our sincerest thanks and gratitude to our committed family and friends, who continue to support our event which allows us the privilege and opportunity to provide funding for equipment, scholarships and activities that contribute directly to the development of the XLCR High school community.