Pictured from left to right are: Laurraine Patton-Dawkins, Karen Ferguson- Bain and Nicole Colebrooke. (Photo by Jenneva Russell)
This Saturday, April 30, the Pilot Club of Lucaya will host a grand event entitled the ‘Navigator’s Ball’ in honor of 13 of the groups’ past presidents who have gone beyond the call of duty to exemplify true commitment and dedication.
The ‘Navigator’s Ball’ will be held at Le Chateau on the Green beginning at 7:00 p.m. Karen Ferguson-Bain, 2015- 2016, President, Pilot Club of Lucaya informed The Freeport News.
According to Ferguson-Bain, the honorees have all, in some way, positively contributed to the development of the Grand Bahama community.
“Fifteen professional women of Grand Bahama have committed unselfishly to the leadership of the Pilot Club of Lucaya. As we approach the 21st Century the mission and the vision of these phenomenal women transcends from individual to individual. ‘Caring compassionate and strong-willed are words that describe these amazing women,” noted the Pilot Club head.
On Saturday the 13 past presidents of the Pilot Club of Lucaya will be honored, along with six charter members who served as presidents of the Freeport Club. The list of Pilot Club honorees includes: Deborah Archer, the late Crystal Barnett, Theila Coakley, Freda Forbes, Retia Gibson-Hall, Erica Hanna, Laurraine Patton-Dawkins, Laverne Atkinson, Antoinette Carroll, Cheryl Bartlett, Gigi Curtis, Ethel Laing and Mavis Ward.
“They will experience a night of servitude, glamour and dancing, to show our appreciation for their hard and tireless work. They are most deserving, and although all of them would say that we do not have to do it, we must,” pointed out Ferguson-Bain.
The Pilot Club of Lucaya is a part of the widely recognized Pilot International Club that was established in 1921.
“The Pilot Club of Lucaya is a proud member of The Pilot International with over 7,500 members and with almost 400 clubs in countries such as the United States of America, Canada, Japan, South Africa, and indeed the Bahamas. The Pilot Club of Lucaya was inducted in 2002 and has produced four district governors, and has the distinction of holding the first Pilot International President outside of the United States in the person of Deborah Archer. Mrs. Archer served as Pilot International President 2008-2009. She is also one of the founding members of the Pilot Club of Lucaya.
“Pilots are committed to do more, care more and be more, for their community and for the world. The ‘Feed the Brain’ Program is just one of the many programs that we have. We feed underprivileged kids at the Lewis Yard Primary School a hot breakfast to ensure that we feed the brain. ‘Rest by Day,’ at The Beacon School, is a partnership with the REACH program to ensure that persons who care for those with sicknesses and diseases associated with brain injures have a day off.
“Our ‘Senior Pearl Luncheon,’ in East End is an ongoing program where we serve them lunch every Christmas. The Diah Ward, at the Rand Memorial Hospital, is also one of our special causes. As Pilots we continue to mentor and celebrate the anchor of the vision, and, for this we will continue our efforts. Our mission of Pilot International is to transcend communities by developing youth, providing service, education and uplifting families,” Ferguson-Bain said.
She added that the Pilot’s Club vision is to foresee a world where all are honored.
Nicole Colebrooke, President Elect, 2016-2017, Pilot Club of Lucaya expressed her excitement for the upcoming event.
“The Pilot Club of Lucaya is very excited to announce our first ‘Navigators Ball’ and we encourage the Grand Bahama Community to come out and support us.”
Laurraine Patton-Dawkins, honoree and past president, Pilot Club of Lucaya, 2008-2009 said, “I also encourage everyone to come out and support our event as it is one of our major fund-raisers for the year. Our efforts are to improve the community of Grand Bahama wherever we can.
“It is an honor and privilege to be one of the honorees of this event. It feels wonderful because you know that your efforts throughout the community has not gone in vain and have not gone unnoticed. I am sure the Grand Bahama community will enjoy the event tremendously.”
Ferguson-Bain, when asked whether she anticipated the ‘Navigator’s Ball’ becoming an annual event for the club she spoke of a special branding affair for the club.
“For the Pilot Club of Lucaya, we wanted a signature event. Therefore we decided that having a fund-raiser of this magnitude by hosting the ball would be a great way to raise funds as well as bring awareness to our various causes. But, it is also important for us to honor our unsung heroes.
“Pilot International started in 1921 for the Bahamas. We have had clubs that have been in existence for over 34 years. For the Pilot Club of Lucaya, we are a young club.
“We started in 2002 but again; we have made some significant milestones. Those persons who are continuing to carry on the mantle of giving service to persons with brain related diseases, as well as educating others about prevention, should be placed in the spotlight. The ‘Navigators Ball’ will continue from year to year as long as the presidents see fit to keep it on the calendar,” concluded Ferguson-Bain.
By: Jaimie Smith, News Reporter
Source: The Freeport News
