Bahamas News
TCI Autism Classroom in jeopardy, founders launch campaign to save specialised site
#TurksandCaicos, January 3, 2017 – Providenciales – An urgent call for help is designed to rescue a classroom for children with Autism from extinction and it launches a national campaign where just about anyone can afford to help.
The Hope Foundation completed the classroom at the Mills Institute in August of 2015 and in late 2017, founders of the organization hit a financial snag – funds were dried up and the classroom, which caters to eight children was under a very real threat of closing up for good. That’s when Maxcia and Almando Rigby reached out for help…
“When I was contacted with the news that this important classroom was in trouble, I prayed. Immediately, an idea came, and I knew instantly that it could work. If those of us who believe in the value and opportunity the Hope Foundation classroom brings to our educational landscape were to support financially, together, we could alleviate any concerns about money to operate the class. Individually, it would be manageable and cumulatively, the financial contribution would be sufficient,” said Deandrea Hamilton, family friend and owner of #MagneticMedia.
It takes about $60,000 per year to operate the #HopeFoundation Autism Classroom in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
Ms. Hamilton added, “As one bill, the need would be out of reach for most people, but if we shared the bill and literally took care of the classroom one day at a time, then it becomes more do-able. It takes roughly, $160.00 per day to keep the classroom open and functioning ideally. I thought to myself, hey, I can do that and I can even get my own son involved – we’ve pledged and will donate to two days of the classroom. That means 363 days are left for residents and supporters to donate.”
Magnetic Media with the Hope Foundation for #AutismAwareness is calling the campaign and the challenge, “I’ll Pay a Day for Hope!”
Almando Rigby is the Public Relations Officer for the Hope Foundation, he too had an immediate faith that the concept and campaign could work.
“Sponsoring a day will allow our students and their teachers to return to school safe and happy about learning. It will also allow us to open our doors to four more students who can benefit. The Hope Autism Classroom supports learning through Individual Educational Plans, center based learning, one on one teaching and group activities. We also aim to educate based on high social skills opportunities and interactions with typically developing children. The classroom is a big part of Hope and it speaks to the potential all of our children have to learn and succeed. ALL children have the right to be educated without prejudice, it’s their God given right to have a place in this world and the Hope Autism Classroom in that place,” explained Almando Rigby, parent and founder of Hope Foundation.
Director & Chairman of Hope Foundation, Maxcia Rigby explained that the outpouring since the inception of Hope has been phenomenal, but shared that “the last part of last year, particularly this new school year has been the toughest for Hope. Due to the recent storms, fundraising has proven almost impossible. Rightly so, donations have been focused on hurricane relief efforts and because we rely heavily on corporate and community support which is now diverted to hurricane assistance, we may have to close our room…we are hoping for good success through the I’ll Pay a Day for Hope campaign.”
You can pay a day now. The need is urgent and you can make a deposit directly to The Hope Foundation’s ScotiaBank account (#755389). Contact Almando or Maxcia Rigby today: 649-332-9817 or 649-332-1977 and let them know that you are willing to Pay a Day for Hope.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.
Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is
inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.
This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.
The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.
The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.
“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the
nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.
“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”
The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.
Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.
Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice. Monument is made to celebrate, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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