The Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA), in partnership with Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels sold over 2,000 raffle tickets for the 30th annual Taste of Cayman Food and Drink Festival raffle, raising a total of $10,490.
Ash McKnight, Member of Event Committee and CITA Board, Gail Bell, Grand Prize Winner and Erin Bodden, General Manager, Meals on Wheels.
The total amount raised is split between the two organisations, with the funds going towards supporting the various activities of each.
“We’re pleased the Taste of Cayman raffle was such a success this year,” Ms Tiffany Dixon-Ebanks, Executive Director of CITA said. “Thanks to our chosen charity, Meals on Wheels and their amazing volunteers for not only helping to promote this year’s raffle and selling tickets, but for the tireless work they do each and every day, providing free, hot and nutritious meals to those in need all over Cayman.”
“As we celebrated Taste of Cayman’s 30th year, we felt it fitting to partner with a charity which is food focused and Meals on Wheels also do an incredible job of reducing loneliness and bringing the community together,” Ash McKnight, Member of Event Committee and CITA Board said. “We’re delighted that everyone came out to support them by purchasing raffle tickets.”
Ms Erin Bodden, General Manager of Meals on Wheels said the organisation was thrilled with the amount raised.
“At Meals on Wheels, we are committed to enhancing the lives of those we visit, helping them maintain independence, as well as encouraging hope and wellbeing through our volunteer programme. With the funds raised from the Taste of Cayman raffle, we will be able to provide over 1,000 meals to those in need and spread awareness in our community.” Ms Bodden said.
The raffle’s grand prize of a trip to the South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SOBEWFF) in Miami, including round trip flights on Cayman Airways and hotel accommodation, was won by Ms Gail Bell. As well as admission to SOBEWFF, she and her guest will be treated to various culinary experiences and cooking demonstrations including the Goya Food Grand Tasting Village, Bacardi presents Walshy Fire’s Rum and Bass Beach Party and the Beachside BBQ, hosted by Chef Michael Symon.
“There were so many wonderful items up for grabs in this year’s raffle, from staycations and spa vouchers to gift certificates for some of Cayman’s best restaurants,” Ms. Dixon-Ebanks said. “We are very grateful to our CITA members who donated these amazing prizes and trust all winners will be excited with their gifts.”
“Congratulations to Ms Bell for her win of this year’s Grand Prize, I hope her and her guest really enjoy their experience.”
Taste of Cayman 2018 sponsors include Camana Bay, AI Rentals, Save the Date, Hurley’s Media, Tower, Digicel, Flava, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Yello, Home Gas, Island Heritage, Cayman Airways, Britcay, Periwinkle and Hew’s Cleaning Services, among others.
