New York – The Vincent HoSang Foundation (VHFF), a non for profit, US based origination that helps the less fortunate and provides scholarship and charitable assist for individuals and organizations in Jamaica and the Caribbean Diaspora is in a much better position today to execute its mandate, thanks to a generous donation from veteran singer Toots Hibbert.
The reggae icon and Grammy winner’s unexpected donation of US$5,000 to the VHFF came at a press conference at the Jamaican Consulate in Manhattan to officially launch the Groovin In the Park concert that takes place at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens New York on Sunday, June 30.
Mr. Vincent Ho Sang, the founder and CEO of Caribbean Food Delights and the VHFF declared at the launch that he had made the procurement of the accelerators a priority project through his foundation. When Toots heard about the plight of acquiring the accelerators, the man who is credited with coining the word ‘reggae’ simply walked to the podium and made his offer on behalf of his Toots Hibbert Foundation.
The funds will be used towards the purchase of two linear accelerators, medical equipment that is essential for the treatment of some cancers. The accelerators, which cost US$5 million dollars, is earmarked for the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay and an undetermined facility in Kingston.
“We are so grateful for Toots’ generosity and kindness. It will go a very far way in helping us achieve of goal” Sabrina HoSang, COO of Caribbean Food Delights said on behalf of VHFF.
During the launch, event promoter and executive producer for Groovin In The Park, Chris Roberts, revealed that part proceeds from this year’s concert will benefit the VHFF. He said he was passionate about giving back to the Jamaican community and that one of the ways he wanted to make a difference was through supporting the vigorous efforts of Mr. Hosang to purchase the two linear accelerators.
Reggae icon Toots Hibbert (right) after announcing his donation with (L-R) Andrea Bullens, co-producer of Groovin In The Park, Vincent HoSang, CEO of Caribbean Food Delights & VHFF and Sabrina HoSang, COO, Caribbean Food Delights and daughter of Vincent HoSang.
Roberts disclosed that his organization started looking at ways to give back to the community from as early as last year and that his team fine-tuned the concept of partnering with the VHFF for this year’s concert. Roberts shared a few touching anecdotes of his own family struggles with cancer.
This year’s Groovin In The Park concert promises to be a ravishing treat for reggae lovers in the tri-state area who will have the opportunity to see Toots doing nostalgic anthems such as 54-46, Sweet & Dandy and Monkey Man. Equally enrapturing will be a rare performance in New York City by Queen Ifrica who typically has audiences chanting her ever last word in live performances. And of course, the anthologies of both Barrington Levy and Cocoa Tea have defined excellence in reggae music over the past three decades, so fans attending Groovin In The Park this year are in for a truly special treat.
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