The sold-out annual event supports Caribbean Students studying at UWI
Toronto, ON – The 15th Annual University of West Indies (UWI) Toronto Benefit Awards marked another successful year of fundraising in support of scholarships for Caribbean students on Saturday, April 20th at the elegant Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto. The spectacular ballroom was at capacity with 450 guests from the world of executive level business, public personalities and community leaders who raised close to $450,000 in one night.
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“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the attendees, many who return year after year for a night of elegance, inspiration and camaraderie,” exclaimed Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, Executive Director of The University’s Institutional Advancement Division. “Our theme this year was ‘Lighting the Way Together’ and through sponsorship, ticket sales, the live auction, silent auction and personal pledges, funds have been raised to enable Caribbean students to pursue higher education – the pathway to success.”
In speaking about UWI, Vice Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles said, “We are an elite university in this hemisphere, in this world, but I should hasten to add that we are not an elitist university. We are here as a public university for the upliftment of the poor, the empowerment of the historically disenfranchised; we are the engine of Caribbean development and a force for democratic justice.”
Once again this year, Scotiabank was the lead sponsor joined by primary sponsors Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Sprott Inc., BDO, Bank of Montreal and Sagicor Financial with Dr. Dwight Drummond, CBC Anchor as host of the event. The distinguished honourees of the night were:
- Luminary Award: The Honourable Mr. Justice Hugh L. Fraser, O.C., FCIArb., CollArb, OLY – Mediator, Arbitrator and Human Rights Activist
- G. Raymond Chang Award: Mr. Raj Kothari, FCPA, FCA, MBA – Business Leader and Humanitarian
- Chancellor’s Award: Air Canada – Global Organization serving the Caribbean
- Vice Chancellor’s Award: Dr. Pamela Appelt, OD – Court of Canadian Citizenship Justice (Ret.), Humanitarian; Mr. Stanley J. Julien – Head, Special Accounts Management Unit – Canada, BMO Bank of Montreal, Business and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader; Mr. Deland Kamanga, CFA – Group Head, BMO Wealth Management, Financial Specialist and Philanthropist; Dr. Claudette McGowan – Chief Executive Officer, Protexxa, Global Cybersecurity Leader, Business Leader and Philanthropist
The lively night of entertainment kicked off with soprano saxophone player Miles Raine and his band, The Collective, serenading the cocktail reception attendees as The SwizzleStick Theatre troupe of stilt performers (Moko Jumbies) weaved through the crowd. Toronto’s finest rhythm section Fiyah Brigade led the guests into the dazzling ballroom to begin the night’s program, which featured Juno Award-winning singer Divine Brown and soulful singer Aion Clarke. One of the highlights of the evening is always the live auction, expertly handled by auctioneer Frances Fripp, BAS and her team. The Royal Canadian Mint 5 Kilo Pure Silver Coin was a hot ticket item, valued at $13,000, and scooped up over that amount. Other items on the auction block: a luxury three-night stay at the Harbor Club in St. Lucia, two business class round trip tickets anywhere Air Canada flies, and the first rendition of the National Windrush Monument by renowned sculptor Basil Watson.
The Patrons of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards are Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Mr. Andrew Chang, Ms. Brigette Chang, and joining them this year, Mr. Kevin Hibbert and Mrs. Ann-Marie Hibbert, both passionate supporters of higher education and the UWI Student Scholarship Fund. Mr. Hibbert was a recipient of the 2023 Vice Chancellor’s Award.
The University of the West Indies is ranked among the world’s best universities where students receive a world class education. Lighting the Way Together demonstrates how together, community donations, financial support, and inspiration provide a lifeline to students eager to fulfill their educational dreams.
