Masquerade Ball makes loss

(CNS): An event designed to raise funds to assist people in the community who are in dire need was not well supported by the public and as a result the Lean on Me Committee (Charity) will not able to fund any more projects in the near future, a release from the charity said. Their first annual Spring Celebration Masquerade Ball – A Spring Affair was held Saturday evening, 21 March, at Camana Bay, but the charity actually reported a loss after all ticket sales were collected and some of its expenses paid.

Despite the poor turn out, local performers such as Hi Tide, Regeneration, Stewart Wilson and Love Culture, Miss Cayman Islands; Ms. Nicosia Lawson, Jamesette Anglin, Jeffery Wilson, Andrea Rivera and Hit Depot and DJ Diamond put on a fantastic show for those who were in attendance, a release said.

The Lean on Me Committee (Charity) was formed by a group of dedicated young professionals who came together in July 2006 to raise funds for local singer, Nina Orrett who was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Since then they have also raised funds for another local musical artist Errol “Skanky” Grant who was diagnosed with male breast cancer.

Every year since 2006 the Lean on Me Committee (Charity) has organized events throughout the year which not only showcases a plethora of local musicians, dancers, comedy acts and models who have all donated their time and talents to express their support, but have also used these events to assist persons directly who are either in need of guidance, financial or hands-on assistance.
The Lean on Me Committee has also lent its support to other local charities and non-profits to assist in their efforts as well.

Here are just a few of the time and monetary donations made to assist those in need in the community:

The Pines Retirement Home- Funds raised from annual event to assist their Building Fund
C.I. Hospice Care- Funds raised from annual event-for Care-giving costs
Nina Orrett- Funds raised from annual event- Medical expenses
Errol ‘Skanky’ Grant – Funds raised from annual event-Medical expenses
C.I. Crisis Centre- Linen Drive- to assist battered women by providing clothing and household goods
Baby Jordon (pre-mature infant) – Supermarket collection & Private donations
Five recently orphaned children – Private donations of clothing and assistance
Baby TJ (pre-mature infant)- Catamaran Cruise and Supermarket donations
Nathan Benko- a young child who needs financial assistance for a Open Heart Surgery
HMP Northward- Prison-Motivational Talks (Men’s Prison)
HMP Fairbanks-Motivational Talks (Women’s Prison)
Anna Watler- Kidney Transplant assistance to donor
Cayman Recovery Fund- For Cayman Brac Hurricane Poloma Relief Fund.

The charity has also recently created a Facebook site which is being used to generate support for the organization and to also help inform the public of their efforts and give a face to the many needs in the community. The Facebook site is open to the public and can be found as Lean on Me-Cayman in the Facebook search.

Lean on Me Committee (Charity) committee (below) would like to take this opportunity to thank those who supported the event and look forward to serving the community.