GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman – 28 March 2018 – 100 Women in Finance (“100WF”), a leading nonprofit organisation for professionals in the finance and alternative investment industries, raised over US$52,000 at their recently held Barefoot Beach Gala. The Special Needs Foundation Cayman (“SNFC”), 100WF’s 2018 Cayman Beneficiary, was the worthy recipient. Established in 2008, SNFC is a local charity that is committed to supporting children with a wide range of needs across the Cayman Islands.
“We are ecstatic with the results from our fifth annual Barefoot Beach Gala,” 100WF Cayman Philanthropy Chair Leanne Golding said, “We would not have been able to raise this phenomenal amount without the support of gold sponsor Summit Management, Silver Sponsors Maples and GreenlightRE, and Bronze sponsors BDO and Walkers. We also benefitted from support from design sponsor Damon Hardie Design, media sponsor Pinnacle Media as well as all the companies that donated raffle prizes and all the attendees.”
Gala attendees celebrated James Bond style and enjoyed dinner and dancing under the starry Caribbean sky at Royal Palms. Party-goers came dressed to impress, channeling their favorite Bond or Bond Girl from an assortment of the popular movies. Many came dressed-to-the-nines in stunning outfits that would have fit right in at Casino Royale and looked right at home raising a toast at the Moet Champagne tower. Lucky raffle package winners went home with prizes including a Havana Getaway, Marriott staycation, a Bond package for the men and a Miss Moneypenny package for the ladies.
Anne-Marie Leadbetter and Laurie Mernett, 100WF Cayman Philanthropy deputy Co-Chairs noted “This was our best attended gala to date. The response from our membership and the local community has been fantastic. We are grateful to the Royal Palms Beach Club and staff who are always wonderful to work with and made their own donation to the beneficiary. We also appreciate the generous support from Fosters Food Fair, One World, Kiss 106.1 and X107 and of course Willowdale Photography who captured beautiful photos of the evening.”
100WF has a strong track record of supporting charities and has raised more than U.S. $44 million (gross) worldwide for philanthropic causes in the areas of women’s and family health, education and mentoring. 100WF Cayman aligns its yearly objectives to 100WF’s global theme, which rotates on an annual basis to ensure the greatest impact for local communities. For 2018, the theme is Education.
SNFC is embarking on a pilot program committed to implementation and action, through the development and provision of high quality inclusive learning services. Partnering with the Haring Center from the University of Washington, SNFC is forming an Inclusion Team that will bring direct support to reception classes, both in the public and private system. This pilot program is a 3-year commitment and 100WF is raising funds to help defray the costs of year one of the program.
Nik Tatarkin, Chair of SNFC said, “We are absolutely thrilled with the success of the event. It provided us not just with substantial financial support that will directly contribute towards improvements in inclusive education to our Islands, but it also provided us a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness for our cause.”
Susie Bodden, Executive Leader of SNFC added, “We are so pleased that the Foundation will now be able to go ahead with our partnership with the Haring Center. This is a turning point for Inclusive Education in the Cayman Islands and we are so thankful to 100WF and all who attended the very enjoyable event.”
100WF Cayman is getting excited about its next fundraising event which is its 3rd annual Corporate Mixology Competition which will be held in September 2018. Parties interested in more information on this event can contact the Cayman Philanthropy Committee for more information.
Laurie Mernett, 100WF Philanthropy Deputy Co Chair, Hon Roy McTaggart, Minister of Finance & Economic Development, Leanne Golding, 100WF Philanthropy Chair, Anne Marie Leadbetter, 100WF Philanthropy Deputy Co Chair, Hon Tara Rivers, Minister of Financial Services and Home Affairs, Nik Tatarkin, Chair of SNFC
Laurie Mernett, Amber Ramsey, Brittany Fox, Irina Scrivens, Catherine Houts
About 100 Women in Finance
100 Women in Finance (100women.org) is a global network of professionals in the finance and alternative investment industries working together to empower women at every stage of their careers. Through peer engagement, philanthropic, and educational initiatives, our more than 15,000 members are making connections and creating opportunities that help to advance careers and strengthen our field.
About Special Needs Foundation Cayman
Established in 2008, SNFC (specialneedsfoundation.ky) is a local charity that is committed to supporting children with a range of special needs across the Cayman Islands. Since its establishment, SNFC has grown to support more than 295 families and provides a range of free support including parent meetings, age related support groups, community education sessions, a dedicated family support worker, respite care, sports and leisure activities and financial assistance.
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