Caribbean Classic Golf launches in Los Angeles

Two weeks ago, organisers of the third Annual Caribbean Classic Golf Invitational (CCGI) announced the formal launch to kick off their third fundraising campaign aimed at equipping primary schools across Jamaica with computers.

The annual event, chaired by Richard Stephenson, president of the RISARC and CCGI Foundations and CEO of the Burbank-based high-tech RISARC Corporation, has already donated more than 200 new Dell computers and Dell peripherals to the island's schools, valued at over US$120,000.

The launch event attracted a galaxy of celebrities from the music, film, and sporting world, including comedian Bill Bellamy; comedian and actor Tommy Davidson; legendary actor Richard Roundtree; actor Boris Kodjoe; actor Larenz Tate; actor and producer Jeffrey Anderson Gunter; and Olympic medallist in volleyball, Dain Blanton.

Superstar Jamaican chef Norma Shirley headed an all-star team of chefs, including Colin Hylton, premier pastry chef and owner of the Kingston restaurant, Guilt Trip; Gary Ferguson, owner of the Rib Cage restaurant, also in Kingston; and Adrian Myles, owner and executive chef of Myles Catering in Connecticut, showcasing the delicious cuisine on the evening's menu.

Founder Richard Stephenson noted that most Americans know Jamaica as a luxury resort destination for vacation travellers and not much more about the island nation. "But there is another Jamaica where I was born and grew up, a place where most families still struggle to afford the most minimal education benefits that Americans take for granted."

He said when he left Jamaica to start a business in America, he promised never to turn his back on those need. "Our golf tournament is still young, but it is a charity on a mission, and that is to provide the educational tools and equipment necessary to give Jamaica's children equal access to the world outside and a level playing field."

support and participate

He invited the guests to support and participate in the event as a golfer in the tournament or as a sponsor. For the non-golfers, other activities include a health and technology conference along with a reception and a gala.

The launch signalled the beginning of formal registration and sponsorship sign-ups for the tournament, the third Annual Caribbean Classic Golf Invitational (CCGI) charity event, scheduled for Montego Bay, June 14-June 16.