FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AMERICAN FRIENDS OF JAMAICA, INC. TO HONOR JETBLUE AIRWAYS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, DAVE BARGER
The non-profit will honor JetBlue Airways in New York City at their 31th Annual Hummingbird Gala for its impact on travel to Jamaica
The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) will honor JetBlue Airways Chief Executive Officer, Dave Barger at the 31th Annual Hummingbird Gala in Manhattan on Thursday, October 25, 2012. Barger will be recognized for the airline’s marked support for Jamaica’s tourism product and the impact on the island’s airlift capacity. The event will also celebrate Jamaica’s 50th year of Independence.
The 2012 Hummingbird Gala will be held at the Marriott Marquis – Times Square, a contemporary Manhattan hotel located in the heart of Times Square and the Broadway Theater district will set the tone for an elegant evening of dinner and dancing. The stellar entertainment lineup include FabFive Band, Peetah and Gramps Morgan, Richie Stephens and Gentleman. The proceeds of the AFJ event create significant social impact by raising important funds distributed to Jamaican charities that support education, healthcare and economic development. In addition to ticket sales, funds will be raised from highly anticipated silent and live auctions.
JetBlue, an intrinsic American brand has consistently grown its service in the Commonwealth since its launch in 2009. The airline will be operating up to seven daily flights from Jamaica this summer from New York, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. In April, JetBlue launched twice daily service from Florida’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston, Jamaica. From Fort Lauderdale, Jamaicans also have convenient connecting flights onwards to Austin, TX; the New York metro area (LaGuardia, Newark or Westchester County); and Richmond, Va.
AFJ President Ambassador Cobb said, “JetBlue has played a huge role in supporting Jamaica as one of the world’s top travel destinations. Jamaican’s have warmly embraced JetBlue’s service and the AFJ is pleased to honor JetBlue CEO, David Barger.
About American Friends of Jamaica, Inc.
Founded in 1982, the American Friends of Jamaica is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization built on the principles of service and philanthropy; and is established to render assistance in the areas of Education, Healthcare, and Economic Development. The AFJ works with a broad coalition of Jamaican organizations and stakeholders to bring about change in the lives of Jamaicans in need. Amongst other initiatives, our partners assist us to provide shelter to the homeless, education to inner-city youth and healthcare to those in need. The AFJ Grant Cycle begins at the end of each year and grants are disbursed at the end of the first quarter of the following year. For more information, visit www.theafj.org.
About JetBlue Airways JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline(TM) with other focus cities in Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, and Orlando. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares, JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline (based on average fleet-wide seat pitch) as well as super-spacious Even More Space seats. JetBlue is also America’s first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights, with meaningful and specific compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within JetBlue’s control. Visit www.jetblue.com/promise for details. JetBlue serves 71 cities with 700 daily flights. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required. For information or reservations call 1-800-JET-BLUE (1-800-538-2583), TTY/TDD 1-800-336-5530, or visit www.jetblue.com.
Contact: Gabriela del Pilar Silva
The American Friends of Jamaica, Inc.
1697 Broadway, Suite 502, NYC 10019
Phone: 212-265-2550
