It’s not the place one would expect to find high-powered financial services executives who in the middle of the work week decided to take an unusually long lunch at this hidden gem of a restaurant tucked away down a tree-lined driveway off Village Road where the only thing rivalling the food and atmosphere at Ty’s Place is its endearing workers – primarily, special needs adults who find pleasure in contributing to society.
Ironically, the small group of wealth planning, management and investment professionals is here to contribute to these workers far beyond the gratuity for attentive service.
Normally, a quiet giver, owner and president of FC Capital Investments Ltd. (FCCI) Alexander Murbach was moved to make a meaningful donation to the Bahamas Down Syndrome Association and its restaurant Ty’s Place to mark a corporate milestone, his company’s 10th anniversary.
“The first time I ate lunch here was an absolutely enjoyable experience. Everybody was super friendly.
After learning more about the history of Ty’s Place and the Bahamas Down Syndrome and Friends Center, I knew I wanted to contribute to the worthy cause,” said Mr. Murbach who stumbled upon the eatery quite by chance while searching for a spot to grab a bite to eat close to his office in the Montague area.
“We didn’t want just to celebrate ourselves as a company turning 10, but give something back to the community and in making it a more public giving we hope to inspire our colleagues in the financial services to come onboard as well.”
According to former Central Bank Governor Julian Francis, a non-executive director of the company, it is tremendously rewarding for both sides when institutions in the financial services sector get behind community outreach programmes like Ty’s Place and its affiliate, The Bahamas Down Syndrome and Friends Center.
“I salute Alex for being willing to be forthcoming,” said Mr. Francis, who attended the informal luncheon.
Each and every donation is greatly appreciated. said Cheryl Johnson Newell who flew back to Nassau from a family emergency abroad to be on hand for the presentation.
Mrs. Newell opened the center for children with Down syndrome in 2011 with three students – one of whom was her younger son – a teacher and a volunteer operating solely from charitable donations to the small operation then housed on the Queen’s College campus.
In 2014, the retired hotel singer bought the property behind Blairwood Academy. The bistro named after her younger son’s best friend, a special little boy with Down syndrome who valiantly battled leukemia for five years before passing away at the age of 10.
Since its establishment the center has grown by leaps and bounds servicing the needs of 48 individuals, ranging in ages from four to 51.
Opening to adults in 2013, Mrs. Newall started with five individuals. Before she knew it the number swelled to 28, including those with autism, developmentally delayed and cerebral palsy and Down Syndrome “I don’t believe in turning people away even if they can’t afford to pay anything,” said Mrs. Newell, whose ultimate goal is to create a community for special needs individuals, complete with a vocational institute for teens and young adults with an assisted living component for those older individuals whose parent or guardian is unwilling or unable to provide care.
“Donations like the one received by FC Capital Investments Ltd. go a long way. Many people do not know we exist. When corporate partners seek us out we know it’s from the heart.”
Family and friends of FC Capital Investments Ltd were on hand for a generous donation to the Bahamas Down Syndrome Association in commemoration of the company’s 10th year anniversary. From l-r, Charlotte Murbach, wife of Alexander Murbach owner and president of FC Capital Investments Ltd., Cheryl Johnson Newell, president of the Bahamas Down Syndrome Association and founder of Ty’s Place, Tiffany Jones-Williams, manager of private clients at FCCI and former Governor of the Central Bank, Julian Francis a non-executive director of FCCI. Photo by Cay Photography for DPA
