The American Friends of Jamaica Inc. (AFJ) a 501 c (3) non profit organization established to support social and economic development in the island of Jamaica will host its  28th Annual Hummingbird Gala to be on Monday 5 October 2009  at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City. 

The gala is the AFJ’s flagship event and will serve to raise funds for Jamaican organizations and individuals in need, in the areas of education, health care and economic development. The night promises to be an elegant evening of dining, and entertainment, and will also include a fundraising auction of items ranging from fine art to luxury vacations.
In celebrating the achievements of an individual, the AFJ presents the prestigious Humming Bird Award to a deserving person who has demonstrated leadership, service, and philanthropy to the island of Jamaica. This year, they will  honor Brenda la Grange Johnson ~ former United States Ambassador to Jamaica (2005-2009), as International Humanitarian The  fundraising gala in  Ambassador la Grange’s honor will emphasize her contributions and significant humanitarian service to the island of Jamaica during her tenure as Ambassador.

Mrs. La Grange Johnson joins a high-profile team of past AFJ  International Humanitarian Awardees, ranging from entertainment mogul and Island Outpost founder, Chris Blackwell; Father Richard Ho Lung~ involved with Missionaries of the Poor;  Ralph Ricky Lauren of Polo Ralph Lauren; Edgar and Louise Cullman~ Humanitarians and Philanthropists;  Hon. Oliver F. Clarke, O.J of the Gleaner Company and Diageo Corporation;   Michele Rollins~ Chairman of Rosehall  Developments; and last years’  New York awardee: Heavyweight Champion, Lennox Lewis.