The inaugural Centenary Champs Brunch FUNdraiser took place on Saturday, March 29 th at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, just a few hours before Kingston College swept to victory at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys Athletics Championships at the National Stadium.
The brunch was the brainchild of Dwight Green of Fortis & Friends Foundation and Principal Dave Myrie and was one of the main fundraisers to mark the 100 th anniversary of the founding of our great institution by the Reverend Percival Bishop Gibson.
The splendid purple and white affair, which was co-hosted by Principal Myrie and Vice-Principal Madame Hall, was well attended by Old Boys from different eras, all of whom came out to support their beloved alma mater, as well as some of our sisters from St. Hugh's, Immaculate, and other high schools.
Manning Cup and Track and Field team manager Donovan Germain and cricket coach Shane Brooks addressed the gathering on the state of affairs with their respective sports.
The guests were serenaded by the Kingston College School Band led by Mr. Welsh, KC music teacher, and Old Boys, DJs Marlon Young and Gairy Sweetness.
One of the main attractions at the brunch was the auction, where people were able to win a framed 2025 Manning Cup football champions team jersey signed by the players, coach, and management, as well as rare KC art pieces.
Executive Director of Fortis & Friends Foundation, Rainford "Perry" Bloomfield, was left beaming with pride at the end of the event.
"Whether you bought a ticket, showed up in person, or became a sponsor - thank you. Together, we raised JM$1.6 million and proudly presented a ceremonial check of JM$2 million to Principal Dave Myrie for Kingston College to close out the event.
"We're not done yet. Our goal is to deliver the full JM$2 million in actual funds, and with your help, we will. The fundraiser remains open until Founders Day, April 16, 2025," he mentioned at the time.
On April 16, Founder's Day, the actual check was presented to Principal Myrie in his office at the North Street campus.
The organizing committee and the Fortis and Friends Foundation have pledged to make the Brunch an annual affair in order to continue to raise funds to give back to the institution.
In his closing remarks at the brunch, Bloomfield extended his thanks to some of the key players who helped to make the inaugural staging a successful one.
"Thank you once again for making this celebration one to remember - and for investing in the future of Kingston College. I would also like to extend special thanks to Mr. Welsh and the Kingston College Band ; DJs Marlon Young; Gairy Sweetness; Bobo El Numero Uno; Yardie Sports; and our sponsors - Facey Realty and A Friend InDeed ," he commented.
Kingston College Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence. Wear the Legacy!
#NeverYielding #AlwaysAdvancing #ThePursuitOfExcellence #FortisForever