The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

AS EARLY as 5am on Thursday, dozens had already gathered at Mario’s Bowling & Entertainment Palace off Tonique Williams Darling Highway to kick off a fund-raising drive that lasted nearly 18 hours and raised almost $9,000 for the southern Bahamian Islands devastated by Hurricane Joaquin.

Two hours later, representatives from the Salvation Army and Kiwanis Club were setting up their booths in preparation for the donations of supplies that ended up exceeding their expectations.

Bahamian entertainer Dillian McKenzie said it was a “no brainer” for him to put his talents to use to assist in rebuilding the islands that were severely impacted by the passage of Joaquin.

"As nation builders we recognise our responsibility to assist those who are faced with picking up the pieces in light of this tragedy," he told The Tribune. "We also recognise the contribution that our families in San Salvador, Crooked Island, Rum Cay, Mayaguana, Acklins and Long Island have made by supporting us in our careers. Now is the time to use our influence to give back."

Donations began rolling in shortly after 7am and by 1am on Friday, when the concert was wrapping up, volunteers boxed tons of canned goods, clothing, can-openers, bottled water, toiletries, cleaning supplies and baby items for distribution and collected thousands of dollars.

The concert, which kicked off at 5pm, included Ronnie Butler, Nehemiah Hield, Landford, DMac, Christian Massive, Veronica Bishop, Lassie Doh Boys, Sammi Starr, Geno D, Funky D, Rik Carey, DJ Counsellor, MDeez, SosaMan, Novie, Dyson Knight, Pastor Dencil Rolle, Puzzle, Wendy, Najie Dun, Bodine Johnson, Sketch, Ras Cat, Lyrically Blessed, Eboni Gibson, Reuben G, Blaudy, Exec, Cello the Black Pearl, Fresh #1, Fresh Revolution, Visage, The Extra Band, The Sky Juice Band, and the Sky Juice Band.

The event was hosted by Demetrius the Karaoke King and Sawyer Boy made a special appearance.

Before the concert began volunteers lined the entrance of Mario's on Tonique Williams Darling Highway, stopping cars as they passed collecting "loose change" and what ever passerbys could spare.

That effort alone raised $1,500, in total $8,387 was collected and 10 truck loads of goods were hauled.

All proceeds were distributed to the Kiwanis Club and the Red Cross.