carribean-american-cultural-group-inc

Third Annual Caribbean-American Community Health Fair to Provide Free Screenings, Wellness Resources, and Family Activities

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:00:28 GMT

Third Annual Caribbean-American Community Health Fair to Provide Free Screenings, Wellness Resources, and Family Activities

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – The Caribbean American Cultural Group and the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce, Treasure Coast are excited to present the Third Annual Caribbean-American Community Health Fair on Saturday, February 7, 2026 , from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Caribbean American Cultural Center , located at 3771 SE Jennings Road, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 . This free event is open to the public, with no registration required .

This year’s health fair, themed “Celebrate Health, Embrace Wellness,” aims to empower individuals to take control of their health through education, screenings, and interactive wellness activities. The event will provide free health screenings by Cleveland Clinic, including blood pressure checks, diabetes (A1C) testing, body mass index (BMI) assessments.

The event will also feature educational workshops covering topics such as maximizing nutrition, incorporating exercise for fitness and stress reduction, and healthy lifestyle habits. Beyond health education, the fair will include a healthy salad prep/demonstration , fun, family-friendly activities such as Zumba, a Bounce House for children, and raffle drawings for prizes . Attendees will also enjoy a complimentary Brown Bag lunch . Adding to the excitement, legendary Rev. St. Hope of WCNO 89.9 FM, will be the MC , bringing his warm personality and uplifting spirit to the event.

“This health fair is a great opportunity for our community to come together, learn and take small steps toward better health,” said Dawn Bloomfield, CACG President. “We want to provide practical tools and knowledge that will help individuals and families make informed health decisions and build a stronger, healthier future .”

“Taking care of yourself means taking care of your community,” added Melyn Joseph, Chairwoman, HACCOF-TC. “ Embracing health leads to a happier community , and this health fair is about supporting each other in making our health a priority .”

The Third Annual Caribbean-American Community Health Fair is open to all members of the community and provides a welcoming space to learn, connect, and take proactive steps toward better health.

For more information, please contact Mr. Neville Lake, Vice-President, CACG Inc. at neville_lake@bellsouth.net.

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About the Caribbean American Cultural Group & Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Treasure Coast: Please visit www.cacgpsl.org and www.haccof-treasurecoast.com .

Caribbean American Cultural Group Stages a Sizzling 40th Birthday Party at the Mid-Florida Event Center

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 22:06:29 GMT

Caribbean American Cultural Group Stages a Sizzling 40th Birthday Party at the Mid-Florida Event Center

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fl. September 12, 2024: The tables and chairs were resplendent in their red, white, and black; the ladies and gentlemen shimmered in their colorful attire, and the thumping rhythms of Caribbean music resounded all through the building. Emcee extraordinaire, Ms. Faye Linton brought her special brand of humor and eloquence to the mike and laid the foundation for CACG’s 40th birthday to remember! Taking his cue from the massive ice sculpture, the birthday cake, and other numerous signs that highlighted the number 40, Mr. Lyle Fried laced his invocation with lessons on the meaning of forty, and from there, CACG’s remarkable achievement was on everyone’s lips.

Basking in the glow of flames flickering amid feathers in the midst of Mrs. Joyce Smith’s striking centerpieces, every face shone with pride as members and friends of this one-of-a-kind Treasure Coast philanthropic giant reflected on their history, and first-time attendees absorbed the lessons of its accomplishments. President Dawn Bloomfield stamped her brand on the proceedings in an address seasoned with gratitude and awareness of her organization’s history. Acknowledging the role played by the founding members, past and present leadership teams, and every member of the community, Ms. Bloomfield charged the organization to ensure the ongoing relevance of CACG’s programs and services inspiring “the younger generation to take up the mantle of leadership… and building bridges with other communities, fostering understanding, and promoting the values of diversity and inclusion.”

These themes of outreach and inclusion were expressed in presentations to the evening’s awardees. In recognition of CACG’s partnerships with individuals and groups that support its mission, community partner awards were presented to Mrs. April King of Coca-Cola Florida, Pastor Scott Vander Ploeg of the Sunlight Community Church, and Mrs. Claudette Lewis, of Holy Faith Episcopal Church. The CACG 2024 Fall Ball Honoree was Mr. Will Armstead, the CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, an organization with which CACG has established lasting bonds. The gathering erupted in applause when President Bloomfield announced “surprise” awards to the “President’s Picks” – two CACG members who had made exceptional contributions to the organization. Mr. Neville Lake was “picked” for his invaluable role as former three-term president and a Vice-President without whom President Bloomfield asserted, “I could not have been the leader I’ve been.” Financial Secretary, board member, long-standing co-chair of the Ball and MLK Scholarship Committees, and one of CACG’s exceptional event organizers, Ms. Dorothy McFarlane was recognized for her outstanding work.

But a 40 th birthday of an organization of this caliber, demanded a special dimension, so the gathering settled down for “PSL & CACG Growing Together,” a dramatic audio-visual presentation charting the history of the city of Port St. Lucie, the origins of CACG, and the steady growth of both entities. As the walk through history neared its end, visuals and sounds rose to a crescendo, ushering in the image of CACG’s newly purchased home at Jennings Road. The president ascended the darkened stage and presented a glowing torch to Ms. Myla Townsend, a former “CACG baby,” now an elegant young lady. Her fitting words, “From those who went before, the light still glows; to those who are to come, we pass this torch to light the way for the next generation” captured the transition mentioned in her earlier call to the future.

When the curtains closed on CACG’s celebration way into the night, the consensus was that as difficult as it was to exceed the standards already set by its legendary Fall Balls, CACG had outdone itself for its fortieth birthday and the celebration of its new home. In keeping with its motto, “Together We Achieve,” CACG welcomes new members and partners who will help to advance its mission of philanthropy and community service.

There is much more to discover and enjoy at CACG at its upcoming events: Community Health Fair: October 26, 2024, Holy Faith Episcopal Church Treasure Coast Caribbean Food & Music Festival (Carifest): November 2, 2024 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Memorial Celebration: Sunlight Community Church, January 20, 2025 Contact: Secretary, CACG, P.O. Box 8701, Port St. Lucie, Fl 34985, OR visit http://www.cacgpsl.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/CACGInc.

Scholarship News release

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 19:45:22 GMT

American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund)

lradams244@gmail.com (Leon Adams) — Wed, 31 May 2023 17:41:33 GMT

American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund)

Our Organization was recently recognized for our work by AmFund. Each year, AmFund carefully chooses organizations to support through their unrestricted funding programs to help worthy nonprofits accomplish their critically needed missions.

CACGI - Save The Date

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 15:02:45 GMT

MidFlorida Event Center

CARIBBEAN AMERICAN CULTURAL GROUP (CACG) CAPTIVATES PORT ST. LUCIE WITH CARIBBEAN MAGIC

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 14:46:39 GMT

Great Carribean experience!

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. Nov. 15, 2022. The Florida sun bore down as a panoply of sights, sounds, and

aromas infused the Port St. Lucie City Center with the inimitable spirit of the Caribbean. The jerk festival

staged for three years by CACG was back, welcomed after the COVID-19 hiatus—bigger, better, and

rebranded as the Annual Caribbean Food and Music Festival (Carifest).

After the opening prayer, which is a feature of every CACG event, President Dawn Bloomfield got things

rolling as she welcomed dignitaries and supporters, reiterating the organization’s commitment to

enriching the diversity of the Treasure Coast by exposing residents and visitors to the unique features of

Caribbean culture.

Thanking CACG’s sponsors for their continued support, the president highlighted Gotham Cigar

Enthusiasts, TRUIST Bank, the law firm of Cushnie & McMahon, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, Real Estate

of Florida, Martin Downs Golf Club, Law Office of Eula R. Clarke, JN Money Services, Amy Michaels Law,

104.5 FM THE FLAME, and ACCH Insurance. Other donors and sponsors who received CACG’s gratitude

were Dayspring Cargo Services, Vinny’s Commercial Concrete, Luis Remartin General Contractors,

Howard & Melodie Minott, Winnie Crosdale, Rockdabox, Showmax Production, Angels Adult Plus

Services, and Queen of Images, Iron Mush Photography.

City Manager Russ Blackburn echoed Ms. Bloomfield’s sentiments, praising the efforts of organizations

like CACG that are working to make the counties of the Treasure Coast even more vibrant and exciting.

With the formalities complete, an array of deejays took to the stage, stirring the swelling crowd to their

feet, with a diet of pulsating rhythms reflecting every era of Caribbean music.

Not to be outdone, food vendors served up exotic Caribbean specialties whose signature spices,

seasonings, and unique cooking methods drew guests to the food tents to pile their plates with chicken,

seafood, curry beans, rice and peas, corn, ribs, and kebabs, washed down with island concoctions of

fruit mixes, punches, coconut water, lemonade, and sundry hard stuff. And then came the desserts –

puddings, cakes, ice cream, buns, tarts, and confectionery items representing traditional Caribbean

tastes blended with modern favorites.

On the outskirts, vendors plied a variety of wares and services ranging from facepainting, arts and crafts,

apparel, island memorabilia, jewelry and accessories to books, and business and community services

including banking, insurance, mortgages, and legal services.

One of CACG’s flagship fundraisers to garner support for its philanthropic activities, Carifest drew

hundreds of supporters, creating a blend of colors, interests, and activities that outlasted the sun and

the heat as revelers cooled out into the evening. As night fell, the entertainment headliners descended

on the stage, rocking those eager to dance, with oldies and new rhythms from Mega Banton, JoJo

Romero & Night Shift, Code Red, and the legendary Third World Band from Jamaica.

When the lights dimmed, and the curtain was poised to come down, President Bloomfield and her

Carifest Committee led by co-chairs Phil Stephenson and Michelle “Mush” Irons were well pleased, and

so were the participants, replenished with a sumptuous taste of the islands. But no one was more

pleased than the winner of the event’s biggest raffle, who wheeled home the giant wheelbarrow

overflowing with Caribbean spirits! She will be ingesting island liquor for a long time to come!

Looking back on the day, Co-Chair Stephenson echoed his president’s sentiments, thanking the

supporters and reiterating CACG’s commitment, “This is the spirit of the Caribbean. We brought it to the

Treasure Coast from back home, and we will nurture and preserve it, so everyone can experience what it

means to come from our unique islands!”

On this day in November, all who had ventured to the city center left with a truckload of memories of

the kind of merrymaking only Caribbean people can do. And Port St. Lucie was the chief beneficiary!

Carifest is CACG’s final major event for 2022, but with the new year already peeping around the corner,

President Bloomfield is rallying her troops. They will hit the ground running in 2023, with the annual

Martin Luther King Celebration, CACG’s premier event, slated for January 16 at Sunlight Community

Church, 477 SW Cashmere Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34986, starting at 11:00 a.m.

Plans are also well advanced for the 2023 Scholarship Awards, which will see another crop of bright St.

Lucie youngsters marching off to college with CACG’s support!

In keeping with its motto, “Together We Achieve,” CACG looks forward to welcoming new members,

donors, and patrons who are eager to contribute to the enterprise of community building through

service to others.

Contact: Dawn Bloomfield[954-636-9067], or Neville Lake [772-834-2522], Caribbean American Cultural

Group, 10012-10014 S. US Highway 1, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34952 http://www.cacgpsl.org/

https://www.facebook.com/CACGInc

Submitted by Frances Coke

Book Launch – Clovelly Park

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 19:30:25 GMT

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 .

Vaccination Drive

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 19:28:14 GMT

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