On Saturday 22nd March over 200 people gathered at the Shoal Bay Development Center to support Anguilla’s newest charity – the Arijah Children’s Foundation of Anguilla. Guests included His Excellency the Governor Mr Andrew George and his wife, PS Health and Social Development Dr. Bonnie Richardson Lake, Chairwoman of the Arijah Board of Directors – Ms Palmavon Webster and most importantly the ‘little angels’ – some of Anguilla’s Special Needs Children – who will ultimately benefit from the fundraising. Everyone who attended had a wonderful time bidding on the amazing auction items, enjoying drinks and barbeque food and dancing under the stars to the mellow sounds of Marvelous Marvin – at the inaugural “Beautiful Party for a Beautiful Cause’.

Some of the children who are beneficiaries of the Arijah Foundation, guests and family members

Renuka Harrigan, Founder of the Foundation and mother of Arijah – who the foundation is named after - greeted each guest personally and her heartwarming speech of thanks was very well received. Many of the guests were hearing about the ground breaking work of the Foundation for the first time and were visibly inspired and moved by Renuka’s words of thanks and hope for the future. “A greater good that began with the birth of a special child and grew to bring so many wonderful people together for a beautiful cause surely hails of a bright future for Arijah, Nekia, Adrianna and Anguilla’s other special needs children. With the help of so many kind and generous supporters these special children will be given a chance to live the full and meaningful lives they were born to live. Thank you to the overwhelming number of people who came to support a Beautiful Cause”.

Some of the children who are beneficiaries of the Arijah Foundation, guests and family members

Dr Bonnie Richardson Lake spoke for a few minutes on this important new charity and remarked on how in a developing country our social infrastructure and social responsibilities must keep pace and that the Government of Anguilla is committed to working with the Rajah Foundation.

Some of the children who are beneficiaries of the Arijah Foundation, guests and family members

During the course of the Evening Local Restaurant Proprietor Jacquie Ruan of Ripples was excited to be able to present 2 checks to the Foundation. The first a $10,000us donation – from “a special person” , who Jacquie said wishes to stay anonymous”. The second a check of $1100us from the patrons of “Ripples” who held a fundraiser on St Patrick’s night. Jacquie is currently organising a Touch rugby game with, St Kitts, St Martin and St Barts and whatever is raised will also go to the Foundation. These events will continue until they reach $50,000 towards this very special Foundation. “We have had a little whisper that there is more to come........ So say a little prayer .... please” said Jacquie as she urged others to get involved as it ‘is all about the children…”.

Some of the children who are beneficiaries of the Arijah Foundation, guests and family members

The evening was designed to be a fun filled celebration and it featured an exciting silent auction and raffle – prizes were many and varied and the excitement of bidding combined with excellent music and venue made the party a memorable evening for all that attended. The Arijah Foundation Marketing and Fundraising Committee set out to create a ‘signature event’ which can be repeated every year and which will now become a regular event in the Anguilla Social Calendar – raising the profile of the Foundation and raising funds at the same time. All proceeds from the ticket Sales, Auction, Raffle and Bar will go towards the creation of the “Blossom Centre” a childcare and development centre where childhood can blossom and capacities and skills are awakened, nurtured, and strengthened giving each child a chance to develop to their full potential. The Foundation hopes to commence operation of Blossom Centre this 2008.

Get involved!! There are donor information packs available and the Foundation encourages anyone who is interested in learning more about their work or donating to the cause to contact Renuka Harrigan at 497-5729 or to visit the Arijah Children’s Foundation of Anguilla website www.arijahchildrensfoundation.org

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