Animated and engaged and a "down-to-the-ground" party "disguised" as an opulent event will be the first Red Ribbon Ball (RRB) since 2019 with the mystical, magical theme of "1,001 Arabian Nights". And it will be "fabulous" according to Arame Ford, RRB committee member.

"We're excited and we know our regular patrons are very excited because they know what to expect. We have had three years in the drawing room to come up with some ideas. We bounced a lot of ideas around, and 1,001 Arabian Nights won out and it is going to be fabulous," said Ford.

"Natalie [Appleyard, Wildflowers Events & Occasions, founder] has already shown us her mockup of what the room is going to look like, so we're just really excited and hope people are too. It's going to be a party you don't want to miss."

The Red Ribbon Ball, the biggest fundraiser for the Bahamas AIDS Foundation, will be held on Saturday, November 4, at the Atlantis Ballroom.

Ford said the party starts as soon as you exit your vehicle.

"The décor, the entertainment - all of the elements that will be featured at the ball will depict and bring this theme [1,001 Arabian Nights] to life. There will be elements in the food, in the host and hostesses and from you are greeted at valet parking to the ballroom."

The Essence Band has been tapped as the entertainment during the cocktail reception, with the Falcon Band given the nod as the house band during the ball.

"There's going to be a lot of elements to really captivate your interest during the ball," said Ford.

A big draw for the RRB is always the prizes to be had. And this year, they are as fabulous as they come, bundled in packages to be won with the grand prize an Italian wine tour complete with luggage provided by John Bull. Other packages include a health and wellness, pamper, home party package, travel, glamor, hotel package and survival package (BPL, W&S, gas and groceries).

While all about the fun, the Red Ribbon Ball is a party for a serious cause. They hope to raise at least $150,000 towards the ongoing work of the Bahamas AIDS Foundation on the night. On average it costs the foundation approximately $200,000 yearly to operate. And it is more than that when in-kind donations are factored in.

"AIDS is a very present issue in this country still, and we still have adolescents and children living infected and affected with HIV and AIDS that we need to support. There are patients needing medication. We need to get our PSAs [public service announcements] out to sensitize the public about this cause, so we're really needing to have this ball to solicit funding, and advocate for tolerance amongst Bahamians for people suffering with this disease," said Ford.

As they prepare to host their first ball since 2019, Ford said the money is desperately needed as they have exhausted all of their resources, which meant they had to cut back on much-needed programs.

"We had to survive through the pandemic [and] like every other organization, we've exhausted our resources. We have had to disengage with many of our staff and we've had to cut back on many of our programs simply because we cannot afford it right now.

"We do have an online platform where we try to engage the kids, but that's not very effective because all of the children aren't logging in. Keeping them engaged and making sure they log on in time has been very difficult."

Ford said they have a social worker who has been circulating to the families of the children.

"Our biggest effort right now is providing food and medication to some families because there is still a big issue of food insecurity in the country, and for many families and many patients that aren't healthy enough to go out and seek daily bread, that right now is. With the resources that we have, our priority is feeding the people that we service, but we would like to re-engage the school program."

Through purchasing a ticket to attend the ball, or to give to someone to attend, or make a donation, she said patrons would be assisting a worthy cause.

"We absolutely need your money."

"The Red Ribbon Ball is the biggest fundraiser for us and we are excited about reintroducing the ball to people. A lot of corporate companies are favorably responding to our request for them to purchase tables. Longtime sponsors Commonwealth Brewery which has donated all the wines, John Bull, Pictet Bank & Trust Limited, Zamar Group, and Wildflowers are onboard, so we have the regular people that support us, but more and more corporate companies are coming onboard.

Corporate Bahamas is encouraged to show their support by purchasing tables. Individuals can purchase tickets at $300 per person. You can reach out to us at our resource center at info@bahamasaidsfoundation.org or telephone 325-9326.

There is also the option of platinum tables of 10 or 12 at which Champagne will be poured during the night; wine will be served at the other tables.

"There's going to be a lot of exciting things going on at this year's Red Ribbon Ball. We're excited and we know our regular patrons are very excited because they know what to expect. And we have had three years to be in the drawing room to come up with some ideas. We bounced a lot around, but Arabian Nights won out and it's going to be fabulous. The décor, the entertainment, all of the elements that will be featured at the ball will depict and bring this theme to life. We like to bring ball themes that are animated and very interactive, so that's what you're going to find if you attend this year's ball."

Past Red Ribbon Ball themes have included Fire and Ice (2019), Shimmer (2018), Lights, Camera, Action (2017), Behind the Masque (2016), A Night of Luxury (2015) Winter in Paradise (2014), and Believe in Zero (2013).

The Red Ribbon Ball came to be after Imperial Life in 1993, offered to coordinate and host a fundraiser for the Bahamas AIDS Foundation. Through the work of Colina/Imperial Life staff, most notably, Richenda King, RRB became the premiere ball of the social season. And funds from the ball enabled the foundation to renovate 14 Delancey Street as their office. The Delancey Street property was donated by Colina Insurance Company's legacy company Imperial Life Insurance Company of Canada.

Colina/Imperial hosted the RRB from 1993 through 2012 raising over $950,000.

The Bahamas AIDS Foundation has hosted the RRB from 2013 to present, raising approximately $630,000.

"It takes a lot of time, talent and sacrifice, and it's just a few persons doing the work," said Ford. She said they can also use more volunteers. People can also provide resources like food items.

The Fox Hill Festival's Emancipation Day Annual Luncheon and Awards ceremony was held, August 7, 2023 at the Fox Hill Community Centre, during which 'Community Spirit' and 'Spiritual' Awards were presented.  Two of the honourees for Community Spirit awards are pictured -- Bernice Harris and Gregory Roberts, receiving their awards from the Hon. Fred Mitchell, MP and Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Public Service. 

CIBC FirstCaribbean's annual flagship fundraiser, Walk for the Cure (WFTC), generated $51,000 for major cancer care organizations across The Bahamas last year. Representatives from Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, Cancer Society of The Bahamas and GD Sharing and Caring were recently presented with the funds raised as the bank launched WFTC 2023.

Set for Saturday, October 7, this year's walk will occur on New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera. Each island will host a mini health fair immediately following their Walk for the Cure event.

The funds raised from WFTC are primarily used to assist with the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients, and to provide assistance, care and counseling to patients and their families as well as to raise awareness and stress the importance of early detection, through education campaigns regionally.

Helen Longley-Forbes, a 14-year breast cancer survivor and GD Sharing and Caring executive member, thanked the bank for its continued support and encouraged public participation. She said "every dollar goes a long way".

"A lot of our group members don't have medical insurance and the cost of cancer care treatment is very costly," she said. "The proceeds received from CIBC FirstCaribbean go a long way. We are able to assist with necessary scans, exams and even grocery needs, along with overall support which is critical."

Since the walk's inception in 2012, CIBC FirstCaribbean has raised close to four million dollars across the region for the fight against cancer with the help of corporate sponsors, employees, clients, and members of the public.

CIBC FirstCaribbean's Managing Director Dr. Jacqui Bend, appealed to corporate Bahamas and the wider public to partner with the bank to support WFTC and help raise critical funds to support those impacted by cancer.

"Walk for the Cure is a family-friendly health and fitness event," said Bend. "Last year's walk saw a great turnout and we are looking to double those numbers this year as we help increase awareness about prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of all types of cancer as well as funds for the fight against cancer. CIBC FirstCaribbean encourages everyone on the islands where CIBC FirstCaribbean has a presence to come out and support a great cause."

Members of the public are encouraged to sign up to interact and walk with other participants. Registrants can make it a team activity by signing up with friends, family members or co-workers. WFTC registration is $25 for adults and $15 for children. Persons can register at any CIBC FirstCaribbean branch, or by emailing WalkfortheCureBAH@cibcfcib.com.

Additionally, individuals can stop into any CIBC FirstCaribbean branch and make a donation to the CIBC FirstCaribbean Walk for the Cure account. CIBC FirstCaribbean customers can also use the convenient first pay option when they log in to the app to donate.

The Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) today unveiled plans for its 2nd Annual ‘Tee-off for Hunger Golf Tournament’, aiming to raise enough money to top up its coffers and provide up to 750,000 meals in 2023.

The announcement was made during a press conference attended by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, government officials, sponsors, hosts and BFN officers and volunteers.

Fidelity will repeat as title sponsor and Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas will continue as host for the tournament set for September 19 at Ocean Club Golf Club, Paradise Island.

“We are extremely grateful to Fidelity for committing to ongoing title sponsorship,” said Felix Stubbs, BFN Chairman.

“They have been great partners in every way. We are also pleased to announce that even before today’s formal announcement, there has been strong interest in every level of sponsorship. Nearly every corporate sponsor or donor who contributed in 2022, and who the team has reached out to informally, has committed to participating in 2023. Supporters understand the cause, the unabated need to feed that unfortunately did not end when the COVID-19 pandemic did.”

BFN directors, staff and volunteers work tirelessly to keep up with the need, Stubbs said, as more seniors, displaced persons and those who cannot make ends meet depend on the churches, feeding centres and soup kitchens supported by BFN.

Last month, BFN provided more than 65,280 meals with volunteers and staff packaging cartons and parcels of food and providing grocery supply coupons. The network currently distributes to more than three dozen churches and other centres for distribution to those in the community or congregation in need.

“Fidelity is proud to partner with the Bahamas Feeding Network and Better Homes and Gardens MCR Group as title sponsor of the 2nd Annual Tee-off for Hunger Golf Tournament,” said Gowon Bowe, Fidelity Chief Executive Officer. “Despite being a nation of much wealth and opportunity, there are thousands who go hungry daily and the Bahamas Feeding Network has been a lifeline for those persons since its founding in 2013.”

According to Fidelity’s Vice President and Donations Chairman Crestwell Gardiner, Fidelity was also impressed by BFN’s efficiency and the loyalty of volunteers, some of whom now receive a small stipend.

“We believe in the cause, the unquestionable need to feed, but we also appreciate how the Bahamas Feeding Network operates and the business model it follows as a non-profit with accountability, transparency and maximum efficiency,” said Gardiner, whose team walked away with the top prize last year for best score.

The tournament format is a two-man scramble with a maximum of 62 teams with player handicaps set at 24 maximum per man and 28 per woman. First hole in one on #12 wins the coveted new Mercedes Benz

provided by Tyreflex in conjunction with Insurance Management, without whose coverage the car would not be part of the draw. There are several other prizes for categories including Par 3 and longest drive.

BFN Board member businessman and real estate pioneer Mario Carey offered to host the first fund-raiser tourney and said his firm, Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas, did not hesitate to commit as host this year.

“Until you are in the trenches and see the hunger as we did when we created Pasta Fridays during COVID, you do not realize how widespread the tragedy is,” said Carey, whose firm partnered with Graycliff distributing thousands of hot meals at its West Hill Street location with one weekly distribution hitting 8300 meals at the peak of the pandemic.

“In the end, the answer to our national food security issue lies in increasing agriculture production and providing more of what we consume, but in the meantime, we cannot stand by and let persons in need suffer when we have the ability to do something about it as responsible citizens. Hosting a golf tournament is a natural solution we are proud to be a part of, knowing we can make a difference.”

The fee per two-person team is $500. Entry forms are available at https://www.bahamasfeedingnetwork.org/golf.html

The Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) today unveiled plans for its 2nd Annual ‘Tee-off for Hunger Golf Tournament’, aiming to raise enough money to top up its coffers and provide up to 750,000 meals in 2023. The announcement was made during a press conference attended by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, government officials, sponsors, hosts and BFN officers and volunteers. Fidelity will repeat as title sponsor and Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas will continue as host for the tournament set for September 19 at Ocean Club Golf Club, Paradise Island. “We are extremely grateful to Fidelity for committing to ongoing title sponsorship,” said Felix Stubbs, BFN Chairman. “They have been great partners in every way. We are also pleased to announce that even before today’s formal announcement, there has been strong interest in every level of sponsorship. Nearly every corporate sponsor or donor who contributed in 2022, and who the team has reached out to informally, has committed to participating in 2023. Supporters understand the cause, the unabated need to feed that unfortunately did not end when the COVID-19 pandemic did.” BFN directors, staff and volunteers work tirelessly to keep up with the need, Stubbs said, as more seniors, displaced persons and those who cannot make ends meet depend on the churches, feeding centres and soup kitchens supported by BFN. Last month, BFN provided more than 65,280 meals with volunteers and staff packaging cartons and parcels of food and providing grocery supply coupons. The network currently distributes to more than three dozen churches and other centres for distribution to those in the community or congregation in need. “Fidelity is proud to partner with the Bahamas Feeding Network and Better Homes and Gardens MCR Group as title sponsor of the 2nd Annual Tee-off for Hunger Golf Tournament,” said Gowon Bowe, Fidelity Chief Executive Officer. “Despite being a nation of much wealth and opportunity, there are thousands who go hungry daily and the Bahamas Feeding Network has been a lifeline for those persons since its founding in 2013.” According to Fidelity’s Vice President and Donations Chairman Crestwell Gardiner, Fidelity was also impressed by BFN’s efficiency and the loyalty of volunteers, some of whom now receive a small stipend. “We believe in the cause, the unquestionable need to feed, but we also appreciate how the Bahamas Feeding Network operates and the business model it follows as a non-profit with accountability, transparency and maximum efficiency,” said Gardiner, whose team walked away with the top prize last year for best score. The tournament format is a two-man scramble with a maximum of 62 teams with player handicaps set at 24 maximum per man and 28 per woman. First hole in one on #12 wins the coveted new Mercedes Benz provided by Tyreflex in conjunction with Insurance Management, without whose coverage the car would not be part of the draw. There are several other prizes for categories including Par 3 and longest drive. BFN Board member businessman and real estate pioneer Mario Carey offered to host the first fund-raiser tourney and said his firm, Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas, did not hesitate to commit as host this year. “Until you are in the trenches and see the hunger as we did when we created Pasta Fridays during COVID, you do not realize how widespread the tragedy is,” said Carey, whose firm partnered with Graycliff distributing thousands of hot meals at its West Hill Street location with one weekly distribution hitting 8300 meals at the peak of the pandemic. “In the end, the answer to our national food security issue lies in increasing agriculture production and providing more of what we consume, but in the meantime, we cannot stand by and let persons in need suffer when we have the ability to do something about it as responsible citizens. Hosting a golf tournament is a natural solution we are proud to be a part of, knowing we can make a difference.” The fee per two-person team is $500. Entry forms are available at https://www.bahamasfeedingnetwork.org/golf.html