Jamaican Women
of Washington, Inc.
ordinary private citizens doing public good
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Founder & President
Dr. Jacqueline A. Watson
Vice President
Karen Francis
Secretary
Michelle Rhodd
Assistant Secretary
Denise H. Lloyd
Co-Treasurers
Trudy Cornwall
Andrea Summers
Charity Selection Chair
Dr. Jean Welsh
Janice Massey Cutts
Michelle Cross Fenty, Esq.
Kay Twomey
Kim M. Watson
Dr. Jean Williams
Dr. Nicola Bravo (ex officio)
BOARD ADVISORS
Leftwich & Ludaway LLC
Thompson, Cobb, Bazilio
& Associates
MISSION
To raise awareness and provide support to organizations that focus on improving the health and quality of life of underserved and vulnerable women, children, and families, primarily in Jamaica, W.I., and the Caribbean region.
1776 Eye Street, NW
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20006
P. 202.756.4810
F. 202.756.1301
www.jwow.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Kim M. Watson
(202) 756-4810
(202) 841-0608
kmwpr@aol.com
Local Women Host Annual Event to Help Combat HIV/AIDS Globally
Jamaican Women of Washington Annual High Tea Highlights Devastating Impact of HIV/AIDS in DC and the Caribbean Region
Washington, DC (May 21, 2007) Jamaican Women of Washington, Inc. (JWoW), a non-profit charitable organization that works to raise awareness and provide support for women, children and families affected by important health and social issues, will host its Fifth Annual Tea-Off to Good Health and Silent Auction Fundraiser on Sunday, June 3, 2007 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, DC from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. This year's fundraiser will focus on HIV/AIDS in Jamaica and Washington, DC, and highlight the role of charitable giving in promoting prevention and heightening awareness.
To commemorate this important milestone, the Honorable Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor of the District of Columbia, will serve as Honorary Chair, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, representing the 11th District of New York, will serve as the Honorary Co-Chair and Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony Brown will present the Judith Bennett-Sattler (JBS) award to the Honorable Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, representing the 10th District, Maryland House of Delegates. J.C Hayward from WUSA-Channel 9 News will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies. The silent auction held during the event features exotic Caribbean vacation getaways, luxurious spa packages, jewelry and much more and the fabulous hats donned by guests make for a fiercely competitive Hats-Off contest that tops off the evening. Jamaican HIV/AIDS prevention organizations, Family and Parenting Centre and Western Society for the Upliftment of Children, will receive grant awards and MetroTeen AIDS and Us Helping Us, Washington DC, will receive donations.
We are very proud to have reached this milestone in our history when we began Jamaican Women of Washington we never imagined this level of support and the large impact our good deeds would have on our native Jamaica, said Dr. Jacqueline A. Watson, founder and president of JWoW and President of Health Concepts International, LLC in Washington, DC. As we enter our fifth year, we are excited and optimistic that this year's fundraising efforts will prove to be our most successful ever because we are focusing on a disease that knows no geographical boundaries and one that continues to devastate citizens around the world.
The Caribbean region and Washington, DC have alarming rates of HIV/AIDS. The District of Columbia has the highest AIDS rate in the United States and Jamaica is now thought to have one of the highest populations of people living with HIV in the Caribbean region. In both regions, women have the fastest growing incidence rates. HIV/AIDS disease is especially devastating to women and we aim to help women, children and families here at home in the District and in our native home of Jamaica said Watson.
JWoW members are all volunteers with diverse professional backgrounds, including health care, legal, finance, social service and communications. Each member's everyday experiences contribute to their passion for improving health and well being and increasing access to health services for their fellow citizens. Each year, JWoW board members convene to decide on a health issue affecting both the Caribbean region and Greater Washington, DC.
Past events have focused on teenage pregnancy prevention, mental health and substance abuse, and youth development and violence prevention.About Jamaican Women of Washington (JWoW)
In February 2003, a group of female friends and colleagues of diverse professional backgrounds gathered in the home of Dr. Jacqui Watson in Northwest Washington DC, to discuss how to substantively give back to their island home. Concerned about the alarming health care statistics and reports coming out of Jamaica and the Caribbean region, the negative social impact and the obvious need for assistance, the women agreed to pool their resources and expertise and work together to do their small part to help improve the quality of life of women, children and families most in need. In three short months JWoW successfully hosted its first Tea-Off to Good Health Fundraiser in June 2003 at the Four Seasons Hotel with 125 guests. JWoW now host 400 guests at their annual Tea-Off and have added a second signature event to include a program for men, the Annual Tee-Off Fore the Health of it Golf Tournament and Business Development symposium held in September.
For more information on the organization and other JWoW fundraising events, please visit www.jwow.org.
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