American Friends of Jamaica Will Host 2026 Gala
The annual fundraiser will take place on October 16, 2026, at The Plaza Hotel in New York City.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The American Friends of Jamaica will hold its 2026 Hummingbird Gala in New York City on October 16, 2026. The event serves as the primary fundraiser for the organization's initiatives supporting communities in Jamaica.
Why it matters
The gala provides critical funding for the organization to sustain its annual programming and charitable work across Jamaica. The evening honors prominent figures while celebrating the group's ongoing philanthropic impact.
The American Friends of Jamaica raised US$12 million and deployed US$7.2 million to support various initiatives this year. The organization additionally distributed 34 traditional grants totaling US$641,202 to groups such as the Clifton Boys' Home.
The players
Sheryl Lee Ralph
She serves as the President and CEO of the DIVA Foundation.
Adam Stewart
He serves as the executive chairman of Sandals Resorts.
Andrew Holness
He is the Prime Minister of Jamaica and is expected to attend the event.
American Friends of Jamaica
This organization facilitates development projects and provides grants to support Jamaican initiatives.
The details
The gala program features a cocktail reception, auction, dinner, and musical performances by Sister Nancy and Brigadier Jerry. Organizers will present awards to honorees Sheryl Lee Ralph and Adam Stewart, with Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness expected to attend.
Timeline
October 16, 2026: The American Friends of Jamaica hosts the Hummingbird Gala.
Market Landscape
The Hummingbird Gala fits into a long-standing tradition of high-profile charity events that leverage gala dinners to fund international development projects. This positioning allows the American Friends of Jamaica to maintain visibility and support among its donor base against other regional philanthropic organizations.
The gala serves as a fundraising platform that directly impacts the resources available for recipients like the Jamaica 4-H Foundation and the Janet & Rupert Banton Foundation. Attendees participate in a high-level corporate and social gathering designed to sustain the group's long-term charitable operations.
The takeaway
Events like the Hummingbird Gala are essential for channeling private donations into structured, impactful community grants. Supporters can monitor the organization's annual reports to see how these funds are distributed to specific Jamaican foundations and programs.
Further reading
For more information on the local philanthropic sector, visit the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Jamaica Gleaner.
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