During a plush, well-attended gala at the weekend, Cayman’s Rotary clubs combined to help the country raise more money per capita than any other jurisdiction.
Billed as the ‘One Million-Dollar Dinner’, the prestigious 22 Nov. event at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa received US$2.1 million in donations and pledges.
Canadian Jennifer E. Jones, who made history as Rotary International’s first woman president from 2022 to 2023, delivered an emotional keynote speech that called on Cayman to do more.
The islands’ Rotarians responded in force. From raffle tickets to bequests, donations and commitments flowed in.
Helping after Hurricane Melissa
Amid the tuxedos, ballgowns and champagne, it could be easy to forget that the revenue raised goes directly to the world’s most needy. Rotary International president nominee Larry Lunsford, from Kansas, explained how a chance pilot programme meant Rotary was well placed to respond to Hurricane Melissa.
“Historically, we were never involved in disaster response,” Lunsford said. “But, after a trial in 2019, we were at the right time and the right place to help Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa.”
Yemima Garcia Junco, assistant governor for the Jamaica northwest region, witnessed firsthand how donations through glitzy galas such as this can save lives.
“I lived through Hurricane Melissa in one of the hardest-hit areas, and what I saw was Rotary in its purest form. Immediate action, real compassion and a network that moved like family.”
Cayman connection
Despite the international visitors, it was the locals who stole the show. Cayman business heavyweights Bobby Bodden and A. L. Thompson were recognised for their outsized contributions to Rotary Cayman.
In a bid to encourage audience members to contribute, Bodden quoted Winston Churchill before adding, “Do your giving while you’re living, so you’re knowing where it’s going.”
Thompson reminded the well-heeled audience that they “take from the world daily” so Rotary donations are a way of giving back.
During the gala, both men were admitted to the Arch Klumph Society, which is composed of Rotarians who have donated at least US$250,000. In a touching symbol of the international collaboration that marks Rotary Cayman, the Caymanians were joined on stage by UK-born society member Jeremy Hurst – a former Rotary International director.
“We were inspired by the Bahamas to match their target [of US$1 million] and I am humbled and honoured to see Cayman’s community take us beyond that,” said Alan Roffey, a past president of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman.
“It’s been a tremendous experience to connect with all our Rotarians throughout the islands to see them achieve this together,” he said.
Cayman’s Rotary clubs have raised more money, on a per-capita basis, than anywhere else on Earth. In part, that’s due to the islands’ status as a global financial hub. But there is another, more Caymanian factor, at play.
“The Rotary is about making friends and making a difference,” said one member, who didn’t want to be named. “And both those reasons are why it’s such a big deal here.”
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