THE MONTHLY GLEANER | APRIL 6 - MAY 3, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 4 Aubrey Campbell/Gleaner Writer CHARLOTTE, NC: MISSIONARIES OF the Poor (MoP) Jamaica will take centre stage this year to share their unique message in observance and celebration of Easter, the holiest period on the Christian calendar. Presented by a consortium of organisations in support of education and youth development in Jamaica, the annual concert fundraiser was started in 2021. The idea emerged over a casual conversation at the height of the global health crisis, which had forced charitable groups to rethink their approach to fundraising. This year’s event, on April 15, will see the MoP’s mixed voice choir in the starring role as they present He Is Risen, a joyous rendition of the Easter story in song, dance and spoken word. Set for a 7.30 p.m, DST start in the ‘Zoom room’, the 90-minute virtual showcase is complemented with themed items from a number of soloists, carefully curated from the presenting organisations -Maldon High School Alumni, Montego Bay High School Alumni, Cornwall College Old Boys and Comets Club International. Calynton Blake from Blake Music House and a music tutor at the Montego Bay High School, and Keith Rose fromMaldon High return for encore performances and will be joined by first-timers from the Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College. Cornwall College’s Michael Williams with his Trilogy Entertainment outfit will entertain as patrons file into the room. Easter Praise 3 is being presented with the blessing of DonovanWilson, newly installed president of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (USA), Inc. Tickets may be purchased from any of the presenting organisations. “This year’s presentation is special, as we have gone the extra mile to make sure it’s a family-friendly programme, with something for everyone,” offered Ava Marie Clarke from Montego Bay High School, who is serving as executive producer. Founded in 1981 by Father Richard Ho Lung and four brothers from the Jesuit Order, and now numbering some 550 brothers serving in nine missions around the world, MoP has since received both papal and episcopal approval for their missionary work and constitution. THREE YEARS in the making, the directors, officers, and members of the Comets Club International organisation are proud partners in this collaboration that continues to inspire camaraderie and fellowship. As the community and the village get smaller and resources become scarce, it is clear that for best results in these charitable endeavours, like -minded entities must join forces to maximise outcomes. Though the partnership is only four strong this year, I feel that the package will rank right up there alongside the Easter praise - the concert with a conscience…! Missionaries of the Poor Choir to headline Easter Praise 3 Donovan Wilson, president. UJAA (USA), Inc. Father Richard Ho Lung, MoP founder/ director. MALDON HIGH School Alumni Association (MHSAA) is proud to share its “Donate to Educate” fundraising vision with other like-minded organisations as we work to improve learning and create opportunities for students at our alma mater and Jamaica, in general. The recent pandemic highlighted the disparity in the delivery of education across Jamaica, in the process, forcing alumni organisations to step up their efforts at fundraising. MHSAA is delighted to once again collaborate with former students and friends to stage another Easter Praise (III) fundraiser, benefiting the development of young minds in our beloved homeland, Jamaica, by God’s grace! The traditions of the Easter season, the holiest on the Christian calendar, are founded on sacrifice, marking the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thanks to our partners, the muchneeded funds will be used to enhance learning in the areas of academics and sports at Maldon High School. ‘Learn to Live’ I thank you. Baldwin ‘Bunny’McIntosh, President. Maldon High School Alumni: donate to educate GREETINGS FROM the Cornwall College Old Boys’ Association of New York (CCOBANY). We are pleased to be collaborating with the other organisations to stage the third Easter concert, Easter Praise 2023. It has been said that there is strength in unity. Once again, I want to express our gratitude to all the people who supported last year’s concert through the purchasing of tickets and spreading the word about the concert. This year, we are inviting you to another wonderful concert on Saturday, April 15. We are depending on you for your support. Please purchase your ticket through Eventbrite at:https://www.eventbrite. com/e/easter-praise-the-easter-storytickets-596133369957 or by Zelle at info.cornwallcollege.nyc@gmail.com Barrington A. Harvey, Sr President CCOBANY CCOBANY: strength in unity THE MONTEGO Bay High School Alumnae Association of New York Inc (MBHSAANY) was established in 2014. Since our inception, the group has had at its core the common goal of giving back to our immediate community in the United States, to the Montego Bay High School, and ultimately, to Jamaica, while fostering meaningful bonds as a sisterhood. MBHSAANY is thrilled and grateful to be part of this collaboration with likeminded organisations to celebrate the Easter story while fundraising, making this a winning combination. All proceeds from this Easter Praise Giving back, moving forward! virtual concert fundraiser will allow us to continue our assistance to Montego Bay High School in its efforts to nurture the maintenance of its record of academic excellence while shaping the brilliant minds of these eager, young ladies. Thanks for your support! Merlene Mullings President previous two. Hats off to the production unit that continues to make it look easy, and a special ‘thank you’ to the performers who are giving of their time and talent for a worthy cause. To this year’s stars, the Father Richard Ho Lung inspired Missionaries of the Poor, you are Godsent! ‘He is Risen’, indeed…Hallelujah! MyrtleWedderburn Treasurer Comets Club Int’l/NY
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