Hon. Noël Spencer and Dr. Robert Wan
Fellow Jamaicans,
Please help:
The Kingston College Chapel Choir has been invited by The Jamaican Embassy inWashington, DC to perform at the Historic Washington National Cathedral's Annual Flower Mart from May 3rd-6th, 2012.
The Washington National Cathedral:
Briefly, the Cathedral has hosted the inauguration of eight Presidents of the United States including President Barak Obama. www.nationalcathedral.org.
"The Cathedral is a spiritual resource for the United States of America, a great and beautiful edifice in the city of Washington, an indispensable ministry for people of all faiths and perspectives, and a sacred place for our country in times of celebration, crisis, and sorrow."
The Kingston College Chapel Choir:
The young men will represent our country-Jamaica which is being honoured on the occasion of our 50th year of Independence. These twenty nine selectees of the fifty member choir will be the special guests of the Cathedral on the evening of May 3rd; where they will be the only choir performing to a V.I.P set of special patrons of the cathedral at a Black Tie reception, at 7:00pm.
On Thursday morning at 10:00AM our young Fortisians will officially launch the Cathedrals Flower Mart at the steps of the Cathedral where Presidents walk. The guest list is expected to include world diplomats, Senators, Congressional members, and leaders of Industry. The opening ceremony will begin with the KC rendition of Jamaica's National Anthem, followed by an Ecumenical service. For the remaining three days; the choir will be performing at various locations throughout the cathedral grounds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhSqO2sVA_M
CHALLENGES:
Some of the boys have challenges in affording passports and visa fees, so support is needed. The management team is asking for your prayers and financial support to make this happen. Without a total support, the team will not be at their best. :
NEEDS and SHORTAGES:
"I would like them to have proper blazers," said the Chairman of the Management Committee: Dr. Robert Wan.
The Choir has very limited funds and any contribution from as little as $15.00 to $1,000.00 will assist us greatly. The Blazers cost US$3,100.00, Dr. Wan continued. The funds are so limited, that we had to discontinue Saturday lunches for the group as reported by Hector Hall, Manager of the Choir. Mr. Hall continued his outreach by stating that he and his wife provide bus fares for these young men each Saturday, because many of the parents can only afford the transportation costs for five school days of the week.
THE JAMAICAN EMBASSY, WASHINGTON, DC:
During the latter part of 2011, The Custos of St. Andrew and the current US Ambassador, Audrey Marks were discussing how to present Jamaica to the USA from a Washington DC point of view. The discussion led to the Annual Flower Mart. The Embassy will be showcasing Jamaica over the 3-day event, and the powers to be selected our beloved Alma Mater as the principal standard bearer for the event. Shouldn't all of Jamaica be proud?
On behalf of all KC alumni worldwide, our greatest gratitude and appreciation is extended to the Embassy staff and executives; especially the outgoing Ambassador and Ms. Cherryl Gordon; Deputy Ambassador.
The Airfare and hotel are underwritten by The Jamaican Embassy in Washington DC. The remaining cost of local transportation, meals and stipends needs funding. Our total needs for the trip stands at $22,100.00.
The spirit of Jamaica and Kingston College will shine over these three days in May. Let our motto roll out of the tongues of men and women as they see the pride of a nation at its best.
"FORTIS CADERE"
CLOSING APPEAL:
I end with the KC cheer, "Are we in It, well I guess, Rah, Rah KC, yes, yes, yes –hoorah. Contribute to the special fund; let our younger brothers sing with pride and joy. Let a legacy go forward forever with everlasting memories that we conquered Washington for our beloved country.
To make online contributions to KC Choir please click Donations
If you are in Jamaica over the next few weeks, please drop by Dr. Wan's office and leave a contribution.
Robert L Wan
Chairman, KCCCC
15 Hope Rd.
Winchester Business Centre
Suite 19
Kingston 10, Jamaica