The Caribbean American Association of Lake County (CAALC) sponsored a Food Packing Event facilitated by No Child Hungry and the South Lake Presbyterian Church, to help families devastated by this past year’s hurricane disaster in Jamaica.. All the food packages are going to directly benefit families and children affected by hurricane Melissa.

The Caribbean American Association of Lake County members recently turned out in full force, to assist the ‘No Child Hungry’ food packaging project providing essential food supplies to families affected by Hurricane Melissa which devastated Jamaica on October 21, 2025.  Addressing the gathering, CAALC President Mitchell Hill expressed sincere appreciation to the President and founder of the No Child Hungry organization, Mr. Willam Lowry, and his team. Mr. Hill also thanked Clermont Mayor Tim Murry for stopping by and offering his personal hands-on support and willingness to don an apron to help pack food packages. We also really need to thank our Project Chairman, Baldwin Hamilton and the CAALC membership for their dedication and overwhelming share of solidarity with the people of Jamaica. Pastor Andrew Marshall of the South Lake Presbyterian Church was thanked for hosting this event and for personally helping this project. Hill reminded those present that “Our service to humanity is the best work of Life”

Baldwin Hamilton noted, “CAALC is extremely grateful to the over 30 member and non-member volunteers who braved the chilly Clermont weather to come out and make this event a major success. We hope to have more similar future events in aid of relief for hurricane Melissa victims”

Mr. Lowry noted, “Today, No Child Hungry was proud to partner with the Association to pack 20,000 meals for those in need in Jamaica. Association members teamed up to host and provide nutritional meals in ideal packaging for distribution on the ground. We are honored to join them to make sure Jamaicans know they are not forgotten. Great Job!!!!”

Imagine a child, no older than yours, skipping meals because their family can’t afford food. This heartbreaking reality faces millions of children around the world. Today and every day, 16,000 children will die from starvation and malnutrition. But, there’s hope. For over a decade while being based here in Central Florida, No Child Hungry has been packing meals that fuel dreams. With help from community organizations like CAALC, we have already distributed more than 50 million meals. They say, “Every donated meal counts! No experience needed, just a big heart.”

Everyone is invited to Join CAALC and join us in the fight against hunger.” Visit: https://www.nochildhungry.net/

Mitchell Hill added, “We need to thank everyone for your prayers, and your unwavering encouragement in helping bring help to support Jamaica. We love you. We must continue to help rebuild Jamaica for a brighter tomorrow.” CAALC has plans to help support Jamaica and everyone in the Caribbean who needs food, healthcare, and donations. Sponsors and donors are greatly appreciated.

CAALC is a 501-C3 charitable organization with an all-volunteer membership driven organization serving Lake County for over twenty years. Everyone is invited to join their monthly meetings held every third Saturday at 6 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.

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The Caribbean American Association of Lake County proudly recently celebrated their 21^stannual gala awards banquet at the Clermont Performing Arts Center. This was a night of true warmth, unity, and spirit for the Caribbean community.

CAALC President Mitchell Hill welcomed everyone, while sharing their story by noting, “We are here to not only celebrate a milestone in our journey, but also the spirit of community, service and unity that has brought us this far. For over two decades, CAALC has stood strong here in Lake County serving its citizens, its business community, and while working alongside the Clermont City Council led by our strong and hardworking Mayor Tim Murry. We are grateful for the partnerships and the trust that has been built over these past 21 years.”

Mitchell continued, “One of the greatest examples of our impact is the Clermont Caribbean Jerk Festival which is our premier fundraiser and the largest Caribbean summer festival in Lake County. This year was record-breaking with more than 11,000 patrons who walked the festival grounds. From small businesses and young entrepreneurs to esteemed companies and major institutions, everyone found a place at our Jerk Festival. Its success is more than numbers.

The diversity on display speaks to the vibrant culture of Lake County as a place where traditions, backgrounds and talents come together to create something stronger and richer. We must continue to build upon this diversity, because it is the foundation of a thriving and united community.” “For 21 years, we have changed lives, built leaders, and strengthened families. Tonight, as we look back with gratitude, we also look forward with determination. Our journey is not over. In fact, it is only beginning. Together, we will go further, higher, and stronger.”

Over the years, the CAALC Education Committee has charitably and successfully awarded many student scholarships tograduating seniors from area high schools who were headed to college or vocational schools.

Outstanding CAALC Service and Community awards were presented with plaques.  President Mitchell Hill on presenting the CAALC Community Service Award to AdventHealth emphasized that AdventHealth has proven to not only be a partner, but also a true friend to this organization and the community for over the past 3 years. The plaque was received by Ms. Shelly Lewis and Courtney Mc Coy. Ms. Lewis in her acceptance speech said that AdventHealth was honored and looks forward to a strong and lasting relationship with CAALC.   

Baldwin H. Hamilton was respectfully presented with the Presidential Award as a special honorarium for his exceptional dedication and commitment to live a life of service to CAALC. Honorary memberships were presented to two remarkable men, having served both this association and the wider community with distinction, while not seeking honor, yet by embodying it through their service. These honors were given to Clermont Mayor Tim Murry and Reverand Andrew Marshall, pastor at the Lake Presbyterian Church as presented by President Mitchell Hill. The Above & Beyond Award was presented by Vice President Andrew Burke to Annette Smith. As part of the annual celebration, Mitchell Hill thanked each of his CAALC board officers and directors as well as everyone for their loyal support, memberships, sponsorships, volunteerism, and generous donations.

Live musical entertainment was provided by the Lake Steel Orchestra, singer Ravyn, and DJ Richie Fusion. Most everyone took advantage of the large dance floor to have fun dancing with their partners and friends.

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

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The CAALC is a non-profit organization focused on giving back to the community and enhancing the lives of its members and young people in the community. It provides educational and training programs as well as a social network for its members. Moreover, it provides grant scholarships to young community residents.  Learn more about the organization and its upcoming events by visiting the website CAALC.

The Ann Dupee, Gem of the Hills Community Service Award was developed to honor residents or organizations who are making significant contributions to the South Lake County community through their time, actions, talents and dedication, outside of any volunteer work done for their employer. The honorees selected serve as role models for compassion and service and are striving to make South Lake County a better place.

Michelle Michnoff, Chamber Trustee from Seacoast Bank presented the “Ann Dupee-Gem of the Hills award to  Nanette Fountain. Nanette has been a resident of the South Lake community and a proprietor of Carrabbas’a Italian Restaurant-Clermont since 2017. She has proven a strong contributor to the community and area’s service organizations. Nanette will be retiring from Carrabba’s at the end of the month.

The co-sponsors of the breakfast were Denise Calderon, Certified Public Accountant and Clinton Pownall, Computer Business Consultants.

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The theme this year was “A Roaring Century: Your Favorite Decade 1920 – 2020.”

Tables were decorated by local businesses and organizations, all hoping to be selected for their best-decorated tables. The prize: Each winner will win a four-pack of tickets to an upcoming show at the Clermont Performing Arts Center.

AND THE WINNERS WERE

First Place: Clermont Police Department

Second Place: Caribbean American Association of Lake County 

Third Place: Metes and Bounds Title Co.

Congratulations to all those who created a fun experience. 

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