Chris Blackwell Honored By American Friends of Jamaica
Non-Profit Organization Will Honor Blackwell For Cultural and Philanthropic Contributions to Jamaica In October Ceremony
JAMAICA (October 17, 2006) – For his achievements in forever promoting Jamaican culture and in recognition of his ongoing philanthropic contributions to its people, Island Records founder Chris Blackwell will receive The American Friends of Jamaica’s International Humanitarian Award on October 19, 2006 in New York City. Blackwell, a successful entrepreneur in the music, film and hotel industries, continues to increase his strong ties to Jamaica, which stem from a deep reverence for its rich history and proud citizens.
A visionary in the music world, beginning with the launch of Island Records in 1959, Blackwell brought Jamaica’s music to the world, including his success in bringing the music of Bob Marley to a growing global audience. Additionally, Blackwell has found success with Island Outpost, his collection of chic boutique properties in Jamaica and the Bahamas that are defined by the strength and beauty of their local landscape and culture. Blackwell remains active in the entertainment business through his current music and film venture, Palm Pictures, headquartered in New York and London.
Giving back to the culture he so highly regards, Blackwell has established the charitable organization Island ACTS (Assisting Communities Toward Strength). An umbrella for Island Outpost’s many charities throughout Jamaica, Island ACTS works towards the advancement of education, healthcare and community development. Island ACTS’ most recent projects include the Oracabessa Foundation’s partnership with HEART (the Jamaican government’s hospitality and training agency) to certify local skilled workers for employment in all sectors of the GoldenEye development, and through the Mary Vinson Blackwell Foundation, dedicated to the advancement of community projects in the area of Trelawney. Another Island Outpost charity, BREDS, founded by Jason Henzell in Treasure Beach, has established one of the most innovative programs in the region, teaming with emergency doctors from New York to create a volunteer ambulance service program, dedicated to that local community.
Blackwell helped organize the Smile Jamaica concert after Hurricane Gilbert concert in 1988, where he was recognized for raising $1 million. He has the honor of being named Jamaica Environmental Trust’s “Most Generous Individual Donor” in 2006. In 2004, Blackwell was awarded the Order of Jamaica for philanthropy and his outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry.
As the American Friends of Jamaica’s International Humanitarian, Blackwell is in good company. He joins an elite group of past recipients including Ralph Lauren, President Ronald Reagan, and Bob Marley (awarded to the artist posthumously in 2001).
The American Friends of Jamaica will celebrate its 25 years of leadership and philanthropy with the black-tie Silver Anniversary Jamaica Benefit Gala on October 19, 2006 in New York City. Acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
Since its inception in 1982, the American Friends of Jamaica has donated almost $11 million to Jamaica charities focused in the areas of education, healthcare and economic development. In 2006, 15 grants were awarded to organizations such as the Ministry of Education, the Jamaica Society for the Blind and Hanover Charities. www.theAFJ.org.
About Island Outpost:
Created by Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records and Palm Pictures, Island Outpost properties are known for their interesting character and stunning surroundings and strive to offer their clients a feeling reminiscent of staying at a friend’s home. The group includes GoldenEye, Strawberry Hill, Jake’s, and The Caves in Jamaica, Pink Sands in The Bahamas and an exclusive selection of villas.
For more information or to make bookings, call 1-800-OUTPOST or visit islandoutpost.com, 0800-OUTPOST1 in the UK.
Contacts
Public Relations US
Andria Mistakos PR
[email protected]
+1 561.266.0568
