The Rotary Club of Tortola is proud to announce the resounding success of its 16th Annual Grand Affair, held on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025, at the newly reopened Peter Island Resort. The sold-out event, themed “Out of Africa”, raised an impressive amount in support of the Club’s Cancer Screening Project and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) Road Town.
Co-chaired by PAG Lorna Smith and Past President Ken Morgan, the evening brought together community leaders, Rotarians, and supporters for a dazzling night of purpose, philanthropy, and celebration. Guests were transported into an immersive African-inspired atmosphere, blending elegance with cultural richness that was brought to life through the visionary creativity of Mrs. Barbara O’Neal-Rhoden and her team.
The evening opened with cocktails and the Silent Auction, curated by President-Elect Nominee Mitsy Ellis-Simpson, featuring prizes such as fine dining, hotel stays, sailing trips, and spa packages — along with electronics, jewelry, photography, art, books, home improvements, and professional services including real estate and legal consultation.
This was followed by the evening’s highlight: the Live Auction, expertly conducted by PP Percy Rhoden and Salvatore Valenziano. A special thanks goes to Salvatore, a professional auctioneer who has been doing business with the BVI for over 30 years. Flying in from Palm Beach, Florida, he brought both expertise and heart to the evening—sharing his personal story on the importance of early cancer detection, which deeply moved the audience.
A curated collection of “super wow” experiences, all in support of Rotary’s mission to serve the community with impact and integrity, included: a private dinner for 12 at the new Ikigai Japanese Restaurant at Biras Creek, luxurious stays at various private villa, a Virgin Voyages Cruise, daysails, theatre tickets to the hottest show on Broadway, an intimate dinner for 10 with the Governor, and lunch for four with Sir Richard Branson.
The energy, generosity, and commitment from attendees culminated in well over $100,000 raised towards initiatives that support the future health and development of the BVI community.
For over 15 years, YEP has provided safe, educational, and engaging out-of-school programmes for youth aged 8 to 15. In 2022, the Rotary-funded Road Town Summer Pop-Up served over 150 children, exposing them to arts, the environment, technology, sea skills, and positive role models. With overwhelming parental support, the need for a permanent YEP presence in Road Town is clear. This phased project will be developed in partnership with YEP and the Kids and the Sea (KATS)programme.
The Rotary Cancer Screening Project aims to provide equitable access to lifesaving screenings for all residents of the BVI. In collaboration with the BVI Health Services Authority, the initiative targets early detection and prevention of the most common cancers — including breast, prostate, colorectal, and cervical cancer — through screenings and HPV vaccinations.
The project also supports the establishment of a National Non-Communicable Disease Registry, advancing data-driven strategies to reduce cancer incidence and mortality rates across the territory.
As President Abigail O’Neal, remarked, “these two initiatives are not just programmes; they are lifelines for our community. YEP gives our youth the tools to dream bigger, while our Cancer Screening Project is already making a difference by catching potential health issues early — sometimes before any symptoms appear. Your generosity tonight helps us turn these goals into reality.”