MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, MARCH 27, 2013: The Palmyra Foundation announced today that its annual red carpet “Auction Party” on Saturday night March 23 raised nearly US$50,000 (JM$4.6m) towards this year’s “Books4Kids Jamaica” drive.

The evening at BlueBeat Ultra Lounge in Montego Bay was shared with the nation through a 1 hour long LIVE CVM TV broadcast from the venue hosted by CVM’s talk-show host Paula Kerr-Jarrett and CVM CEO Andrew McGlone.

Featuring the last 45 minutes of the international Online Charity Auction of more than 160 items, a Live Auction of select items by professional luxury auctioneer Geoffrey Fullerton and a telethon donation line, the broadcast was elevated further by the presence of celebrity American actor and comedian Anthony Anderson who was interviewed on TV along with several sponsors and representatives from the charity. Party highlights also included a televised performance by the up and coming No-Maddz Bongo Band.

The evening was full of activity, fun and good vibrations as 200 plus patrons bid on the many auction items on iPad and computer stations while keeping an eager eye on their coveted items on large projector screens showing bids come in in real time. Many bidders picked up fabulous deals on luxury vacation stays, local restaurant meals, jewelry, art and training sessions, while supporting the cause.

Among the hot items to be sold off on the virtual auction block were Usain Bolt’s signed and worn PUMA training shoes which fetched US$1,501, a Fender guitar signed by all the members of the Rolling Stones which went for US$2,200, Delta business class tickets to/ from the US which sold for US$1,900, a Lionel Messi autographed Barcelona shirt US$430, a Colorado ski vacation stays for eight people that sold for US$2,500, a week for two at New York’s luxurious Manhattan Club that sold for US$2,400 and a romantic weekend stay for two Golden Eye that sold for US$1,100.

Some persons opted instead to donate money for books to particular schools in parishes of their choice. The fundraiser took the foundation closer to its goal of being able to supply text books for 10,000 infant school children for the 2013 school year.

With the night closing at nearly US$50,000 ( J$4.6m) the CVM TV broadcast ”Auction Party took the foundation closer to its goal of being able to supply text books for 10,000 infant school children for the 2013 school year.

While more than 100 companies donated items to the Online Charity Auction, this year’s “Live Auction Party” was sponsored by CVM TV, FLOW, J. Wray Nephew, Ocean Style, Island Entertainment Brands, Delta Airlines, JetBlue, JTB, The Usain Bolt Foundation, Palace Amusement, RCI, Jewels & Time, Frame by Frame, Iberostar Hotel, Instant Luxury Life, ADS, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), Silverpoint Hotels & Resorts, Holland America Cruiselines, Ewaterways, The Gleaner Company, Power106 and Music99, RJR, JNN, RE TV, Jamaicans.com and Positive Tourism.

Program sponsors for the “Books4Kids Jamaica” initiative are Jamaica Tours Ltd, Seaboard Marine, Crestone Capital Advisors, Perfecting Faith Ministries International, Crestone Capital Advisors, Landmark Associates and Resort Properties Jamaica.

The 2013 “Books4Kids Jamaica” program aims to raise money to buy books, pencils and crayons for 10,000 Kindergarten children in September 2013. Please help to raise money by participating in the Online Charity Auction, attending the “Live Bidding Party” or by making cash donations online at www.thepalmyrafoundation.com