Rotarians Party for a Purpose & Raise Funds for Haitian Earthquake Relief Effort

Pictured left to right: Kamal Chuganey, Raveen Dadlani (Fellowship Chair, Rotary Club of Montego Bay - Sunrise), Manoj Ramchandani (President, Rotary Club of Montego Bay - Sunrise), Nishant Sevkani, Amit Rupchandani.

Rotarians and friends partied for a purpose on Saturday 16 January raising almost J$ 500, 000 from a handful of Montegonians, who were worried and affected enough to donate to the Haitian earthquake relief fund.

What should have been a birthday celebration for Raveen Dadlani, turned into a fundraising social at his trendy home in Ironshore, Montego Bay.

When suggested by the Director of Rotary Club of Montego Bay Sunrise, Manoj Ramchandani, he was eagerly supported and the word spread quickly throughout the Rotary family. Attendees included members of The Rotary Club of Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Montego Bay East, Montego Bay - Sunrise, and the soon to be chartered Montego Bay – Rosehall.

‘Twas a contradictory evening of revelry and remembrance as wine passed between candles lit for lives lost and conversations swayed form friendly chatter to tragic commentary and even a respectful moment of silence.

After dinner and drinks Amit Rupchandani picked up his guitar to entertain the group with his talent. In a flash, all Blackberries were out and song lyrics were being accessed and requests were being made thick and fast; Neville Scott played the guitar next to a choir of faces lit by Blackberry screens then Rory Frankson crooned a few classic pieces before the guitar returned to Amit and popular requests.

Amit Rupchandani and Neville Scott musically entertain guests

As guests departed, they were optimistic that they had contributed to the relief of their neighbours in Haiti whilst, unlike them had families and homes to go to for the night.

Written by Natasha Parchment-Clarke

(Rotary Club of Montego Bay)