Article and Photos by Larry Oskin, Marketing Solutions
The Caribbean American Association of Lake County sponsored Turn Up Hope to help those devastated by the most recent hurricane disaster in Jamaica, in collaboration with the City of Clermont.
This was a special event filled with inspiring music, thoughtful prayers, emotional speeches, testimonials, warmth, tears, hugs, unity, and spirit dedicated to help support the ravaged Jamaican island community. Some speakers and performers who just came back from Jamaica shared their first-hand view of the destruction, sadness, and devastation. Many local South Lake residents showed up to support this Caribbean venture, and other local area dignitaries. Donations of money and supplies are still needed.
All proceeds raised went to benefit the Jamaican medical clinics, and infirmaries with extra support for struggling single mothers. Besides buying tickets with charitable donations, attendees brought plenty of clothes, towels, blankets, dishes, kitchenware, medical equipment, and supplies, as well as baby and hygiene products.
An array of gospel, jazz, reggae, and other talented performers included 3 MCs with Rohan Lawrence, Sophie G, and Pastor Rosemarie Roth. The honorable Peter Gracy as a Florida representative who flew in from Jamaica to give us an informative update. Performers and speakers included D’Angel, Qupid, Joan Myers, Shirley Willis, Myoka, Mercy J, Sherell Rose Green, and DJ Charlie Brown, some who came in from their homeland of Jamaica just to help this event.
CAALC President Mitchell Hill welcomed and thanked everyone, while sharing “My heartgoes out to Jamaica and to its people. This special program dubbed Turn Up Hope: Rebuilding Jamaica for a Brighter Tomorrow was created in collaboration with Mayor Tim Murry, the city of Clermont, Pastor Rosemarie Roth, and Caribbean American Association of Lake County.
Hill acknowledged and recognized the Mayor of Clermont, saying, “Mayor Tim Murry is a good man, a man with a heart full of love, a strong leader, and someone who truly feels Jamaica’s pain. When I approached him to seek permission to use this building for this afternoon’s concert, he didn’t hesitate. He simply said, “Brother Hill, I’m in. Go speak with the Parks Manager.” Hill continued, “Jamaica, we are seated here tonight through the strong support of both the City of Clermont led by our Mayor and the Clermont Police Department. Jamaica says thank you! To all the members of our CAALC, we thank you. You did a remarkable job organizing this concert in such a short time. Your hard work makes me look good, and I am truly grateful to serve as your president.”
Mitchell Hill added, “To Pastor Rosemarie Roth who is a true powerhouse, dedicated, loving, and a caring woman whom we thank for her commitment and partnership. To all the performing artists, you gave your time and your talent completely free of cost to support Jamaica. I can only imagine the smile and joy that will follow you as you rest tonight, knowing you poured into a nation in need. To the Honorable Peter Gracy who has traveled here to update us on the work that is continuing in Jamaica. To everyone supporting this concert, we thank you. We thank you all for your prayers, your support, and your unwavering encouragement in helping bring this concert to life. Jamaica, we love you. It could have been any other Caribbean country, but tonight we have gathered to turn up hope for Jamaica! We must help rebuild Jamaica for a brighter tomorrow.”
CAALC was incorporated as a 501-C3 charitable organization with an all-volunteer membership driven organization to serve Lake County. Everyone is invited to join their monthly meetings held every third Saturday at 7 PM at the South Lake Presbyterian Church at 131 Chestnut Street, in Clermont, FL 34711. For more information, contact Caribbean American Association of Lake County at 352-978-0813, Email: CAALC2004@GMail.com and visit: https://caalc-fl.org/. Like and follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CAALC123.
