Press Releases
Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CARIBBEAN AMERICAN CULTURAL GROUP DEEPENS SUPPORT FOR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM PORT ST. LUCIE, FL. June 30, 2023. The Caribbean American Cultural Group (CACG), one of Port St. Lucie’s premier philanthropic organizations, has completed its selection of outstanding St. Lucie County high school graduates for this year’s awards. Now in the 39th year of its history as a stalwart contributor to the cultural life of the Treasure Coast, and the development of our young people, CACG took note of the changing needs of students preparing for tertiary education, and determined that the best course of action would be to increase its support by offering two-year scholarships, replacing the previous $1000 contributions. Following a rigorous selection process, seven of twelve applicants were interviewed, and six selected for the awards shown below: Emmanuella Alix, graduate of Fort Pierce Central High School and recipient of a Keith Green Scholarship, will pursue studies in criminal Justice and social work at the University of North Florida. Ashley Buchanan, graduate of Fort Pierce Central High School and recipient of a Thelma Lake Scholarship will pursue studies in pharmacy at Florida Atlantic University. Hayley Cummings-Henry, graduate of Treasure Coast High School and recipient of the CACG Honorary Scholarship for relatives of CACG members, will pursue studies in biology/pre-med. at Indian River State College. Ariah Hill, graduate of Fort Pierce Central High School and recipient of a Keith Green Scholarship, will pursue studies in biology/pre-dentistry at Jackson State University. Kaylani Krigger, graduate of Port St. Lucie High School and recipient of the CACG Open Scholarship, will pursue studies at Oakwood University. Mia Morrison, graduate of Lincoln Park Academy and recipient of CACG’s Martin Luther King Scholarship will pursue studies in Aerospace Engineering at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. During a recent CACG general meeting, President Dawn Bloomfield proudly announced the new awardees of the scholarship program. She emphasized the significance of the program, stating that it is a fundamental aspect of CACG’s purpose. President Bloomfield expressed the organization’s unwavering commitment to providing support in this area. She expressed pride in sharing that in it its 39th year, CACG has expanded its support even further. The total sum of scholarship offers now exceeds the impressive amount of $158,000. This milestone is a testament to CACG’s dedication to empowering and assisting students pursuing their educational goals. CACG is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, located and operating in Port St. Lucie since 1984. Well-wishers in and around PSL are welcome to contribute to the organization’s work by becoming members, by supporting our annual events as sponsors and donors, and by turning out and getting involved. Please save the dates for our upcoming events. • Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 6:00 pm – CACG’s 39th Anniversary Ball; MIFLORIDA Event Center, 9221 SE Event Center Place, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952. • Saturday, November 4, 2023 – Annual Caribbean Food and Music Festival; MIDFLORIDA Event Center, 9221 SE Event Center Place, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952. Contact: Dawn Bloomfield and Frances Coke, Co-chairs CACG MLK Scholarship Committee, Neville Lake, Public Relations Committee, Caribbean American Cultural Group, PO Box 8701 Port St. Lucie, FL 34985 Port Saint Lucie, FL 34952 http://www.cacgpsl.org/
American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund
MidFlorida Event Center
Great Carribean experience!
CACG and “The Spirit of Clovelly Park” – Secrets of Port St. Lucie Unveiled Did you know that right here in our PSL midst, a small but powerful organization has steadily played a crucial role in the cultural and philanthropic life of the city? PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. The Caribbean American Cultural Group (CACG) was born thirty-five years ago to forge links between people of America and our neighbors who joined us from the picturesque and culturally rich nations to the south. Since then, CACG has become a steady and reliable contributor to the cultural and philanthropic activities here in this part of the Treasure Coast. From sports and entertainment to fund-raising activities like its memorable tea parties, well-spiced jerk festivals, and elegant annual Fall balls to its iconic annual Martin Luther King Memorial Services, CACG has been prominent on the Port St. Lucie calendar. But the centerpiece of its community outreach is the CACG Scholarship program, which has over the years, sought out deserving high-performing students from our local high schools, and supported their college education through over $100,000 to date. Enter COVID-19, bringing its horrendous toll of sickness and death to our country and our city. Determined to avoid any danger of spreading the virus among members and friends, CACG scaled back its activities and fundraisers, leaving its leadership to wonder how they would raise funds to support their usual philanthropic activities. The generosity of members flourished, enabling the group to take on some ventures, recently culminating with a sizeable collection of medical supplies for Caribbean hospitals. Like so many organizations battling the effects of COVID, CACG continued to hold its “virtual” board, committee, and general membership meetings, strategizing and planning innovative ways of amassing funds to support its outreach activities, notably the MLK service and the CACG scholarships. In came an idea proposed to CACG president Dawn Bloomfield and the CACG Scholarship Committee by Frances-Marie Coke, Jamaican educator and CACG member. What about staging a virtual fundraiser promoting “The Spirit of Clovelly Park – Learning and Teaching at Kingston College”—Coke’s new book published in January of this year? This revealing memoir records the author’s journey from being a nervous, unwilling new teacher at a prominent all-boys’ high school in an inner city of Jamaica’s capital, to discovering what teaching truly meant and committing herself to a lifelong career of learning and teaching. In the words of the US Review of Books, “Coke's candid and poetic language about her feelings and circumstances captures Jamaica’s beauty and tragedy….This memoir is a glimpse behind the eyes of its author, a lifelong teacher and writer. The book’s immediacy of emotion and depth of inquiry get to the heart of Coke’s recollections as well as contribute to a collective effort to make the most of our experiences.” The “Spirit of Clovelly Park” reaches out to the Jamaican reader; its powerful stories and themes will appeal to learners, educators, and parents everywhere. And so it was: CACG and Coke successfully launched their entry into the world of virtual gatherings, bringing out some sixty members, family, and friends to take a break from isolation and enjoy an evening of music, storytelling, and readings from “The Spirit of Clovelly Park…” Now, two PSL secrets are out: CACG is back on the calendar, and here in our midst, is Frances-Marie Coke local educator and an author of substance! Contact CACG to purchase this exciting addition to your book shelf, and ensure that despite COVID, CACG reaches its goal of awarding its 2021 scholarships! Contact: CACG, P.O. Box 8701 Port St. Lucie, FL 34985 or visit cacgpsl.com and thespiritofclovellypark@gmail.com .
Caribbean American Cultural Group, Inc. (CACG) Breaks New Ground in Community Service. By Frances Coke CACG and Crosstown Pharmacy partner to launch bold “Stop-the-spread” initiative by delivering COVID vaccines in Port St. Lucie. PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. February 2021. The parking lot at The Caribbean American Cultural Group (CACG) headquarters was alive with activity over the past two weekends as hundreds of excited citizens of Port St. Lucie and surrounding areas descended to benefit from the organization’s foray into a new brand of philanthropy – health care delivery. Partnering with Crosstown Pharmacy to fill the void created by state-wide delays in reaching many areas, CACG stepped in and “home-delivered” vaccines to hundreds of club members, friends, and community residents. Concerned about the long wait that many club members and other citizens were experiencing for vaccinations, the club’s leadership sought a new way to realize its vision for exceptional community outreach, and seized the opportunity to collaborate with Crosstown Pharmacy to bring vaccines to older citizens. Once the plans were confirmed, CACG volunteers set to work transforming the clubhouse at Fountain Plaza into a temporary vaccination site, complete with waiting areas, a numbering system, registration points, the jabbing tables, and guides ushering visitors in and out. In the balmy February twilight hours, everyone could see the shining relief on the faces of those waiting in their masks, six feet apart for their long-awaited jabs. By the end of the fourth “Stop-the-spread” event, two hundred and fifty senior citizens went home, one step closer to forgetting the threat of the dreaded COVID. CACG president Dawn Bloomfield described the initiative as a bold new venture for the organization. “We are always on the hunt for new opportunities to serve our community. What better way to reach out than by seizing another chance presented by COVID? We already distributed protective gear and supplies and we were thrilled to partner with Crosstown and our own ‘Doc’ Lydell Morrison,” who spearheaded his organization’s collaboration with CACG. Crosstown Pharmacy has been serving the community for the past two years, offering competitive prices on a vast array of medications, free delivery, and a highly personalized service that is impossible for big-box corporations. “We are no longer the community’s best-kept secret,” said Jamaican-born owner Morrison. “We are proud to be collaborating with CACG. It always brings tears to my eyes to see ninety-year-old citizens beaming with relief despite being jabbed, and to know we are helping to make this happen. Thanks to CACG and to my Crosstown team, without whom I could not have done it.” CACG prides itself as an innovative cultural organization, highlighting the welcoming nature and rich history of the island nations of the Caribbean through civic involvement, community events, philanthropic projects, and an outstanding scholarship program honoring local students. Though located in Port St. Lucie, CACG’s message of peace and community echoes all along the Treasure Coast where people of Caribbean descent and our neighbors can find a welcoming social and cultural outlet. Its mission is: to serve as the channel through which the culture, art, history, and spirit of the Caribbean Nations are shared with the local community. Thanks to CACG and Crosstown, Port St. Lucie has witnessed one more giant step toward stopping the spread of the COVID pandemic. And, as a bonus for those who got their vaccines, Jamaican delicacies, escoveitch fish and patties are no longer secrets of CACG on the Treasure Coast. They can be purchased most Friday nights right there at the club. Contact: Caribbean American Cultural Group, Inc.(772) 336 • neville_lake@bellsouth.net visit cacgpsl.org, or cacg facebook Contact: Lydell Morrison Pharm.D. (772) 301 1095 crosstownpharmacypsl@gmail.com