MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA (2/23/2008) – Round Hill Hotel & Villas
in Montego Bay, Jamaica, raised a record amount during theannual
Sugar Cane Ball
that took place on February 14, 2009. Honorary
Chairs of the festivities and fashion designer Ralph Lauren and
his wife Ricky were in attendance along with numerous diplomats,
socialites, business leaders from the US, Europe and Jamaica who
gathered at the world renowned resort for a weekend of
festivities to raise money and awareness for Hanover Charities.
The deep pockets of movers and shakers to
contribute so much at such a sensitive time proves that altruism
remains a value. This Valentine’s Day is not just appreciating
your significant other but to spread that love and generosity to
everyone. Gives us hope in these tough times” says chairman of
the event, Katrin Casserly. Hanover Charities, located in
Hanover Parish, is one of the largest charitable organizations
in Jamaica. The charity provides its neighbors with reading and
computer skills, funds the soup kitchen and health clinics,
supply basics to the disabled and elderly and contribute to
scholarships for local students.
The carnival, with guests arriving in
black tie or romantic red to complement the “One love, one
heart” theme, boasted generous donations such as Roar Africa’s
eight day South African safari, a $5,000 Madison Avenue shopping
spree at Ralph Lauren, a three carat diamond bracelet courtesy
of Tropicana Jewelers of Montego Bay valued at $4,000 and more.
A silent auction was also held with over
90 items donated by various shareholders, friends of Round Hill
and Hanover Charities that included a week long stay at 16th
century Casa Dragones private estate in San Miguel, Mexico, a
Chicago Symphony package (two tickets to Chicago Symphony, two
nights at the Park Hyatt and breakfast at NoMI), a $12,000 gift
certificate for a personal portrait painted by Basia Hamilton
(who painted Queen Mother and Pope John II), lunch and tennis
with boxing legend Lennox Lewis, dinner for four at Le Cirque
and more. The silent auction rose over $69,000.00, the highest
record in the history of
the event.
Round Hill was also a sponsor to the
Sunday’s charity event, “Hanover Charity Polo & High Tea”, which
was hosted by Chukka Caribbean, featuring top names such as Andy
Vernon, Kurt Chin, Mark Waites and one of the world best female
polo players, Leslie Ann Fung-Yee.
Round Hill Hotel and Villas is a luxury resort located in
Montego
Bay, Jamaica. Formerly a pineapple plantation, the resort sits
on
a 110-acre peninsula where guests may be accommodated in
either the 36 room Pineapple House Hotel (recently designed by
Ralph Lauren) or in one the 27 individually-owned villas with
suites overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Activities include water
sports, full service spa featuring ELEMIS, tennis, and fine
dining. Round Hill
has been a legend in the Caribbean since the ‘50s when it played
host to notables such as Noel Coward, John F. Kennedy, Grace
Kelly, Cole Porter, and the Paleys. Maintaining its mystique,
Round Hill still attracts celebrities who enjoy the resort’s
tranquil elegance
and natural beauty