COJO launches benefit raffle

Published: Monday | March 12, 2012

Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) Inc has launched its Child Month Benefit Raffle, proceeds from which will go towards assisting underserved children in Jamaica.

The New York-based Jamaican charity has received the support of JetBlue Airways, which has donated travel certificates for the fund-raising scholarship initiative.

COJO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation in New York, whose mission is to help improve the health, education and general well-being of underprivileged children.

Tickets for the Child Month Benefit Raffle are now on sale and can be purchased from COJO executives and well-wishers. Raffle tickets are one for US$5 and five for US$20. Jamaican resorts Half Moon, Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts and The Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort & Spa have also supported this year's initiative.

'All about the children'

COJO Founder and Chairman Gary Williams said he was grateful for the support of the corporate donors who have come on board to help in the organisation of the scholarship fund-raising efforts.

"It's all about the children who are our future, and that's why we are so thankful to our hotel and airline partners who have joined forces with us to make this worthwhile investment and we encourage everyone to help us in attaining our goal," Williams said.

Long-time COJO supporter JetBlue said it was pleased to partner in the initiative.

"JetBlue is committed to Jamaica and to COJO, which has consistently demonstrated its dedication to assisting those in need. We believe that, through COJO, we can positively impact a child's life by providing educational empowerment, to secure a brighter future, with the potential to influence an entire community," said Icema Gibbs, director of corporate social responsibility for JetBlue Airways.

For more than a decade, the volunteer-driven organisation has supported a number of institutions in Jamaica as well as the United States.

Raffle prizes

• Grand prize: A six-day/five-night all-inclusive stay for two at Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa in Montego Bay plus a pair of travel certificates on JetBlue.

• Second prize: A five-day/four-night all-inclusive stay for two at Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios, St Ann, plus a pair of travel certificates on JetBlue.

• Third prize: A four-day/three-night stay all-inclusive stay for two at any Sandals Resort plus a pair of travel certificates on JetBlue.

Taxes, fees and restrictions apply.

The raffle will culminate during the week of May 20, 2012 when the winners will be announced at a special scholarship luncheon in Jamaica.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120312/lead/lead8.html