We are Gutsy Inc. raises $10,000 for Guyanese students
By Tangerine Clarke
Janice Hall, who founded
an educational program in
Guyana with a vision to help
children remain in school
and continue to college, while
teaching values and conduct,
was given a big boost recently
from supporters who attended
Flavors of the Caribbean, an
evening of music, fine cuisine
and a raffle-drawing to raised
much needed funds to carry
on the mission of the not-forprofit
organisation.
Despite COVID-19 restriction,
patrons showed up, and
successfully donated $10,000
during the fun-filled evening,
at Catholic War Veterans Post
in Bayonne NJ, where Hall also
encouraged donors to give a
little extra, at the first such
charity event since the program
was launched in 2019,
for youth ages 3 – 5 years old,
regardless of race, religion,
sexual orientation or socioeconomic
status.
According to Hall, while
many attendees were compelled
to contribute that
evening, one very generous
donation came from Tony Kissoon,
a Guyanese living in
Orlando, Florida.
The generous donor, along
with other members of the
Guyanese Diaspora in Orlando
pledged a whopping $2800 and
21 electronic tablets.
“When Janice described the
organization’s mission and
what they have accomplished
so far, I felt compelled to support
them as they are a registered
501 (C)(3) Corporation. I
am delighted to support such
a dynamic group and I will
continue to support them,”
said Kissoon.
Caribbean Life, S 14 EPTEMBER 17-23, 2021
From left: Neil Bacchus, director; Lourdeth Ferguson, director; Rose October, educator;
Janice Hall, founder & president; Dana Mason, director & educator; Carla Meertens,
director and lead educator, and Burnell Mingo, director. Manuel Ferreira
“The support from my community
of Bayonne was beyond
my wildest expectations. Benefactors
traveled from New
York and Washington. I never
anticipated we would raise
so much given $50 a ticket
including food and welcome
drink, and some entertainment,”
said the appreciative
humanitarian.
“Everyone had great things
to say about the event. It was
different — it catered to the
audience. We had a mix of Caribbean
and American cuisine,
and Caribbean entertainment.
The audience loved Devon
“DaPanist” Atherley on steel
pans and singer Andrew Clarke
who serenaded the guests.”
“Our guest list included
members of other not for profit
organizations in Bayonne,
the business community, and
friends I know I could count
on to support us. And they
did not disappoint. They were
intrigued with our mission,
thought it unique and vital.”
Tony Kissoon, left, entrepreneur
of Orlando, Florida,
and Founder and President
of We are Gutsy, Janice Hall.
We Are Gutsy Inc.
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