Caribbean American Cultural Group Stages a Sizzling 40 th Birthday Party at the Mid-Florida Event Center

Article by Frances Coke, Photos by MaryAnn Ketcham PORT ST. LUCIE, Fl. September 12, 2024: The tables and chairs were resplendent in their red,white, and black; the ladies and gentlemen shimmered in their colorful attire, and the thumping rhythms of Caribbean music resounded all through the building. Emcee extraordinaire, Ms. FayeLinton brought her special brand.....

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fl. September 12, 2024: The tables and chairs were resplendent in their red, white, and black; the ladies and gentlemen shimmered in their colorful attire, and the thumping rhythms of Caribbean music resounded all through the building. Emcee extraordinaire, Ms. Faye Linton brought her special brand of humor and eloquence to the mike and laid the foundation for CACG’s 40th birthday to remember! Taking his cue from the massive ice sculpture, the birthday cake, and other numerous signs that highlighted the number 40, Mr. Lyle Fried laced his invocation with lessons on the meaning of forty, and from there, CACG’s remarkable achievement was on everyone’s lips.

Basking in the glow of flames flickering amid feathers in the midst of Mrs. Joyce Smith’s striking centerpieces, every face shone with pride as members and friends of this one-of-a-kind Treasure Coast philanthropic giant reflected on their history, and first-time attendees absorbed the lessons of its accomplishments. President Dawn Bloomfield stamped her brand on the proceedings in an address seasoned with gratitude and awareness of her organization’s history. Acknowledging the role played by the

founding members, past and present leadership teams, and every member of the community, Ms. Bloomfield charged the organization to ensure the ongoing relevance of CACG’s programs and services inspiring “the younger generation to take up the mantle of leadership… and building bridges with other communities, fostering understanding, and promoting the values of diversity and inclusion.”

These themes of outreach and inclusion were expressed in presentations to the evening’s awardees. In recognition of CACG’s partnerships with individuals and groups that support its mission, community partner awards were presented to Mrs. April King of Coca-Cola Florida, Pastor Scott Vander Ploeg of the Sunlight Community Church, and Mrs. Claudette Lewis, of Holy Faith Episcopal Church. The CACG 2024 Fall Ball Honoree was Mr. Will Armstead, the CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, an organization with which CACG has established lasting bonds.

The gathering erupted in applause when President Bloomfield announced “surprise” awards tothe “President’s Picks” – two CACG members who had made exceptional contributions to the organization. Mr. Neville Lake was “picked” for his invaluable role as former three-term president and a Vice-President without whom President Bloomfield asserted, “I could not have been the leader I’ve been.” Financial Secretary, board member, long-standing co-chair of the Ball and MLK Scholarship Committees, and one of CACG’s exceptional event organizers, Ms. Dorothy McFarlane was recognized for her outstanding work. But a 40 th birthday of an organization of this caliber, demanded a special dimension, so the gathering settled down for “PSL & CACG Growing Together,” a dramatic audio-visual presentation charting the history of the city of Port St. Lucie, the origins of CACG, and the steady growth of both entities. As the walk through history neared its end, visuals and sounds rose to a crescendo, ushering in the image of CACG’s newly purchased home at Jennings Road. The president ascended the darkened stage and presented a glowing torch to Ms. Myla Townsend, a former “CACG baby,” now an elegant young lady. Her fitting words, “From those who went before, the light still glows; to those who are to come, we pass this torch to light the way for the next generation” captured the transition mentioned in her earlier call to the future.

When the curtains closed on CACG’s celebration way into the night, the consensus was that as difficult as it was to exceed the standards already set by its legendary Fall Balls, CACG had outdone itself for its fortieth birthday and the celebration of its new home. In keeping with its motto, “Together We Achieve,” CACG welcomes new members and partners who will help to advance its mission of philanthropy and community service. There is much more to discover and enjoy at CACG at its upcoming events:
Community Health Fair: October 26, 2024, Holy Faith Episcopal Church Treasure Coast Caribbean Food & Music Festival (Carifest): November 2, 2024 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Memorial Celebration: Sunlight Community Church, January 20, 2025 Contact: Secretary, CACG, P.O. Box 8701, Port St. Lucie, Fl 34985, OR visit
http://www.cacgpsl.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/CACGInc.