December 4, 2023 Today Dunkin' on East Street transformed into the epicenter of baseball and Dunkin' delights, as local baseball players from the highly anticipated Don't Blink Home Run Derby took a break from knocking balls out of the park to serve customers not only coffee and donuts but lots of smiles.
 
In a fusion of sports, caffeine, and community, Dunkin' Bahamas proudly announces its partnership with the 2023 Don't Blink Home Run Derby, a dynamic event created by esteemed Bahamian international major league baseball prospects Todd Isaacs Jr. and Lucius Fox, with the Washington Nationals.
 
Katherine Nelson, Operations Manager for Dunkin' Bahamas, expressed, “As an official MVP sponsor of the Don't Blink Home Run Derby, we are honored to be a part of this event. The Don't Blink Home Run Derby is a celebration of baseball, community, and the vibrant spirit of The Bahamas. Our collaboration goes beyond coffee; it's about creating memorable experiences for our customers and supporting initiatives that uplift our young people and our community.
 
Today, we brought the excitement of the Derby right to our Dunkin' store. We are truly grateful to our talented young Bahamian baseball stars, who will be participating in the Derby for taking a break from the field, swapping bats for Dunkin' aprons and serving our customers while promote this weekend’s Home Run Derby.”
 
Nelson added, “This week, we are also providing Dunkin’ Donuts and goodie bags to the Kids Baseball and Softball SkillsClinic and more donuts with our signature refreshers for the Future’s Showcase scheduled for Wednesday at the Andre Rodgers Stadium.”
 
In 2017, event co-founders, Isaacs and Fox recognized the need for inclusive baseball experiences in The Bahamas, inspiring them to establish the Don't Blink Home Run Derby. This extraordinary event provides a unique opportunity for young baseball enthusiasts to watch and play with international league players at home. Now in its sixth instalment of the event, it has grown to a full week of activities including the Kids Clinic, a Celebrity Game, Golf Tournament and the main event, the Homerun Derby scheduled for Saturday, December 9 at Montagu Beach.
 
Isaacs expressed gratitude to Dunkin’ Bahamas, “Having Dunkin’ on board as a sponsor for this year’s event is significant and we are appreciative. Our partners allow us to bring baseball to the kids in our local communities and to bring our vision for this year’s event to life, to showcase The Bahamas while we advance the game of baseball. We are very grateful! Today was a really cool experience here at Dunkin’ and we are thrilled to have had the opportunity to interact with customers, fans and the Dunkin’ employees and to put smiles on faces as we start the week.” 

About the main events, Isaacs added, “This week we will be bringing some of the best players to play the game alongside today’s top talent and the future stars of baseball in a high number of energy events. Not only is this a baseball showcase but we are opening the doors of The Bahamas to showcase the beauty of our country while highlighting the depth of our sports talent and creating opportunities for future generations.” 
 
Lucius Fox, co-founder for the event, also expressed gratitude for the support offered to the event over the years but noted that there is still have more work to do, “Our vision is to take the event to the Family Islands; there are so many Bahamians that have never had the opportunity to experience what we do so we want to take the show to them!”
 
Fox, who also donned a Dunkin’ apron, added, “We are super grateful to Dunkin’ for allowing us to come into the store and help serve customers, make drinks and even learn how to frost donuts. This was a unique, fun experience for us and we look forward to building on this partnership in years to come.”
 
At the heart of the Don't Blink Home Run Derby is a thrilling competition where players vie to hit the most balls the furthest into the water, scheduled this Saturday, December 9 at Fort Montagu Beach. Aptly named 'The Greatest Show on Sand,' this event not only entertains but also serves as a catalyst for increased tourism, community engagement and economic opportunities.
 
About Dunkin' Bahamas: Dunkin' Bahamas, proud MVP Sponsor of the Don't Blink Home Run Derby, is dedicated to blending the joy of Dunkin' with the passion for community and sportsmanship. There are nine Dunkin' locations across the island of New Providence. 
 
Group Photo L-R: Todd Isaacs Jr., co-founder, Don't Blink Home Run Derby; Katherine Nelson, Operations Manager for Dunkin' Bahamas; Eldira Backford, Marketing Director, Dunkin' Bahamas; Lucius Fox, co-founder, Don't Blink Home Run Derby. 

December 4, 2023 Today Dunkin' on East Street transformed into the epicenter of baseball and Dunkin' delights, as local baseball players from the highly anticipated Don't Blink Home Run Derby took a break from knocking balls out of the park to serve customers not only coffee and donuts but lots of smiles.   In a fusion of sports, caffeine, and community, Dunkin' Bahamas proudly announces its partnership with the 2023 Don't Blink Home Run Derby, a dynamic event created by esteemed Bahamian international major league baseball prospects Todd Isaacs Jr. and Lucius Fox, with the Washington Nationals.   Katherine Nelson, Operations Manager for Dunkin' Bahamas, expressed, “As an official MVP sponsor of the Don't Blink Home Run Derby, we are honored to be a part of this event. The Don't Blink Home Run Derby is a celebration of baseball, community, and the vibrant spirit of The Bahamas. Our collaboration goes beyond coffee; it's about creating memorable experiences for our customers and supporting initiatives that uplift our young people and our community.   Today, we brought the excitement of the Derby right to our Dunkin' store. We are truly grateful to our talented young Bahamian baseball stars, who will be participating in the Derby for taking a break from the field, swapping bats for Dunkin' aprons and serving our customers while promote this weekend’s Home Run Derby.”   Nelson added, “This week, we are also providing Dunkin’ Donuts and goodie bags to the Kids Baseball and Softball SkillsClinic and more donuts with our signature refreshers for the Future’s Showcase scheduled for Wednesday at the Andre Rodgers Stadium.”   In 2017, event co-founders, Isaacs and Fox recognized the need for inclusive baseball experiences in The Bahamas, inspiring them to establish the Don't Blink Home Run Derby. This extraordinary event provides a unique opportunity for young baseball enthusiasts to watch and play with international league players at home. Now in its sixth instalment of the event, it has grown to a full week of activities including the Kids Clinic, a Celebrity Game, Golf Tournament and the main event, the Homerun Derby scheduled for Saturday, December 9 at Montagu Beach.   Isaacs expressed gratitude to Dunkin’ Bahamas, “Having Dunkin’ on board as a sponsor for this year’s event is significant and we are appreciative. Our partners allow us to bring baseball to the kids in our local communities and to bring our vision for this year’s event to life, to showcase The Bahamas while we advance the game of baseball. We are very grateful! Today was a really cool experience here at Dunkin’ and we are thrilled to have had the opportunity to interact with customers, fans and the Dunkin’ employees and to put smiles on faces as we start the week.”  About the main events, Isaacs added, “This week we will be bringing some of the best players to play the game alongside today’s top talent and the future stars of baseball in a high number of energy events. Not only is this a baseball showcase but we are opening the doors of The Bahamas to showcase the beauty of our country while highlighting the depth of our sports talent and creating opportunities for future generations.”    Lucius Fox, co-founder for the event, also expressed gratitude for the support offered to the event over the years but noted that there is still have more work to do, “Our vision is to take the event to the Family Islands; there are so many Bahamians that have never had the opportunity to experience what we do so we want to take the show to them!”   Fox, who also donned a Dunkin’ apron, added, “We are super grateful to Dunkin’ for allowing us to come into the store and help serve customers, make drinks and even learn how to frost donuts. This was a unique, fun experience for us and we look forward to building on this partnership in years to come.”   At the heart of the Don't Blink Home Run Derby is a thrilling competition where players vie to hit the most balls the furthest into the water, scheduled this Saturday, December 9 at Fort Montagu Beach. Aptly named 'The Greatest Show on Sand,' this event not only entertains but also serves as a catalyst for increased tourism, community engagement and economic opportunities.   About Dunkin' Bahamas: Dunkin' Bahamas, proud MVP Sponsor of the Don't Blink Home Run Derby, is dedicated to blending the joy of Dunkin' with the passion for community and sportsmanship. There are nine Dunkin' locations across the island of New Providence.    Group Photo L-R: Todd Isaacs Jr., co-founder, Don't Blink Home Run Derby; Katherine Nelson, Operations Manager for Dunkin' Bahamas; Eldira Backford, Marketing Director, Dunkin' Bahamas; Lucius Fox, co-founder, Don't Blink Home Run Derby.  Photos by Unseen Media

The Ministry of Economic Affairs made a presentation of grocery items to Ms. Ewing (in pink) on behalf of the Good Samaritan Home for the Aged, November 24, 2023 at the Consumer Affairs Department's office on Tonique Williams Darling Highway (next to Sunburst Paint). 

Salvation Army volunteers are gearing up to ring the non-profit organization’s iconic bells across New Providence, Grand Bahama and Eleuthera. The hallmark Red Kettle Drive recently launched under the theme ‘Giving Hope Today’ and featured Christmas carols, storytelling and musical performances, along with the campaign’s first donation made by CIBC FirstCaribbean.

The bank donated a total of $10,000, with $7,000 for the red kettle initiative and, in its commitment to education, $3,000 to the Gilmour School for Blind and Visually Impaired Children.

CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Managing Director, Dr. Jacqui Bend, highlighted that the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Drive is a tradition steeped in history, compassion and community spirit, and encouraged individuals to support the 92-year-old initiative.

“For years, the Salvation Army’s iconic red kettles have stood as beacons of hope, symbols of generosity, and testaments to the power of community. They remind us that even in our moments of hustle and bustle, we have the capacity to pause, reflect, and extend a helping hand to those in need. We are grateful for the Salvation Army’s unwavering dedication to serving those in need.

“At CIBC FirstCaribbean, we believe in the strength of community and the power of giving back. We understand that our success is intertwined with the well-being of the communities we serve. That is why we are proud to partner with the Salvation Army in this noble initiative, as we work together to make a difference in the lives of individuals across The Bahamas,” Dr. Bend said.

The Salvation Army's fundraising efforts play a crucial role in funding numerous community activities and programs including gifting children with toys, providing personal care items, and feeding the hungry.

Chairman of the Salvation Army’s Advisory Board, Felix Stubbs, thanked organizations like CIBC FirstCaribbean for supporting the Salvation Army’s efforts during Christmas and throughout the calendar year.

“We are admonished by biblical sayings to be our brother’s keeper and we need to do as much as we can to make sure those of us who are less fortunate have an opportunity to live comfortable lives.

“I am grateful to corporate organizations like CIBC FirstCaribbean who see it fit to make valuable contributions to the Salvation Army so we can continue to carry out our work,” Mr. Stubbs said.

The Salvation Army aims to raise $200,000 during this year’s drive to assist over 1,000 families this Christmas. Interested individuals are encouraged to donate via red kettles across the country with physical cash or by using their digital wallet and the Salvation Army’s QR code to donate with the country’s digital cash, Sand Dollar. Sand Dollar contributions will be matched by the Central Bank of The Bahamas. Each contribution will help ensure that the Salvation Army can continue its vital work throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Salvation Army volunteers are gearing up to ring the non-profit organization’s iconic bells across New Providence, Grand Bahama and Eleuthera. The hallmark Red Kettle Drive recently launched under the theme ‘Giving Hope Today’ and featured Christmas carols, storytelling and musical performances, along with the campaign’s first donation made by CIBC FirstCaribbean. The bank donated a total of $10,000, with $7,000 for the red kettle initiative and, in its commitment to education, $3,000 to the Gilmour School for Blind and Visually Impaired Children. CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Managing Director, Dr. Jacqui Bend, highlighted that the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Drive is a tradition steeped in history, compassion and community spirit, and encouraged individuals to support the 92-year-old initiative. “For years, the Salvation Army’s iconic red kettles have stood as beacons of hope, symbols of generosity, and testaments to the power of community. They remind us that even in our moments of hustle and bustle, we have the capacity to pause, reflect, and extend a helping hand to those in need. We are grateful for the Salvation Army’s unwavering dedication to serving those in need. “At CIBC FirstCaribbean, we believe in the strength of community and the power of giving back. We understand that our success is intertwined with the well-being of the communities we serve. That is why we are proud to partner with the Salvation Army in this noble initiative, as we work together to make a difference in the lives of individuals across The Bahamas,” Dr. Bend said. The Salvation Army's fundraising efforts play a crucial role in funding numerous community activities and programs including gifting children with toys, providing personal care items, and feeding the hungry. Chairman of the Salvation Army’s Advisory Board, Felix Stubbs, thanked organizations like CIBC FirstCaribbean for supporting the Salvation Army’s efforts during Christmas and throughout the calendar year. “We are admonished by biblical sayings to be our brother’s keeper and we need to do as much as we can to make sure those of us who are less fortunate have an opportunity to live comfortable lives. “I am grateful to corporate organizations like CIBC FirstCaribbean who see it fit to make valuable contributions to the Salvation Army so we can continue to carry out our work,” Mr. Stubbs said. The Salvation Army aims to raise $200,000 during this year’s drive to assist over 1,000 families this Christmas. Interested individuals are encouraged to donate via red kettles across the country with physical cash or by using their digital wallet and the Salvation Army’s QR code to donate with the country’s digital cash, Sand Dollar. Sand Dollar contributions will be matched by the Central Bank of The Bahamas. Each contribution will help ensure that the Salvation Army can continue its vital work throughout the holiday season and beyond.

In a continuing commitment to supporting animal welfare in New Providence, Tito's Handmade Vodka and its distributor Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits have renewed their support of The Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights & Kindness (Baark). As a global brand, Tito’s is widely recognized not only for the quality of its vodka but also for its strong focus on corporate responsibility and philanthropy, especially in support of efforts tied to animal well-being.

Most recently, the company donated to the Baark team during a special ceremony held at the NGO’s New Providence Headquarters.

“Through our global Vodka for Dog People program, we’re proud to recognize and assist organizations that are working to help better the lives of pets and animals around the world,” said John McDonnell, Managing Director, International, at Tito’s Handmade Vodka. “We’re honored to continue our support of The Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights & Kindness, and the important work they do throughout the Bahamas.”

Since 2009, Baark’s mission has been to save animal lives and end animal suffering. The organization’s spay/neuter and educational programs have worked to reduce the homeless animal population and end the unfortunate suffering of cats and dogs across the island and the country. Now, for another consecutive year, the partnership with Tito’s is again opening the door to further advancing those efforts. “This effort with Tito’s Handmade Vodka has helped fund core elements of our work including our mobile clinic which allows us to carry out spay and neuter procedures in areas that have the highest density of displaced and homeless cats and dogs,” said Baark Chairman Laura Kimble.

The recently donated funds will be used toward the expansion of the NGO’s Operation Potcake initiative in 2024. Established in 2012, Operation Potcake is a coalition of The Bahamas Humane Society, Baark!, Animal Balance, the Veterinary Medical Association of The Bahamas, and the Ministry of Agriculture,” Kimble explained. Its mission: to carry out an aggressive spay and neuter program designed to reduce the stray animal population across the island of New Providence.

For more than a decade now, Baark! has worked to spay and neuter nearly 30,000 dogs and cats, with more than 6,000 of those since April 2022. “Already this year, we’ve carried out more than 2,000 spays and neuters and we’re looking forward to building on that success in 2024,” added Kimble.

From January 18-28, 2024, Operation Potcake will work to spay/neuter as many as 3,000 dogs and cats in New Providence to help reduce the number of unwanted animals suffering in The Bahamas. Persons interested in supporting Baark’s ongoing efforts are asked to visit www.baarkbahamas.com or www.operationpotcake.com for details on where to donate or volunteer.

In a continuing commitment to supporting animal welfare in New Providence, Tito's Handmade Vodka and its distributor Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits have renewed their support of The Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights & Kindness (Baark). As a global brand, Tito’s is widely recognized not only for the quality of its vodka but also for its strong focus on corporate responsibility and philanthropy, especially in support of efforts tied to animal well-being. Most recently, the company donated to the Baark team during a special ceremony held at the NGO’s New Providence Headquarters. “Through our global Vodka for Dog People program, we’re proud to recognize and assist organizations that are working to help better the lives of pets and animals around the world,” said John McDonnell, Managing Director, International, at Tito’s Handmade Vodka. “We’re honored to continue our support of The Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights & Kindness, and the important work they do throughout the Bahamas.” Since 2009, Baark’s mission has been to save animal lives and end animal suffering. The organization’s spay/neuter and educational programs have worked to reduce the homeless animal population and end the unfortunate suffering of cats and dogs across the island and the country. Now, for another consecutive year, the partnership with Tito’s is again opening the door to further advancing those efforts. “This effort with Tito’s Handmade Vodka has helped fund core elements of our work including our mobile clinic which allows us to carry out spay and neuter procedures in areas that have the highest density of displaced and homeless cats and dogs,” said Baark Chairman Laura Kimble. The recently donated funds will be used toward the expansion of the NGO’s Operation Potcake initiative in 2024. Established in 2012, Operation Potcake is a coalition of The Bahamas Humane Society, Baark!, Animal Balance, the Veterinary Medical Association of The Bahamas, and the Ministry of Agriculture,” Kimble explained. Its mission: to carry out an aggressive spay and neuter program designed to reduce the stray animal population across the island of New Providence. For more than a decade now, Baark! has worked to spay and neuter nearly 30,000 dogs and cats, with more than 6,000 of those since April 2022. “Already this year, we’ve carried out more than 2,000 spays and neuters and we’re looking forward to building on that success in 2024,” added Kimble. From January 18-28, 2024, Operation Potcake will work to spay/neuter as many as 3,000 dogs and cats in New Providence to help reduce the number of unwanted animals suffering in The Bahamas. Persons interested in supporting Baark’s ongoing efforts are asked to visit www.baarkbahamas.com or www.operationpotcake.com for details on where to donate or volunteer.