The Caribbean American Center of New York to celebrate frontline community champions during Masquerade Ball and Awards Ceremony

The Caribbean American Center of New York, Inc. (CACNY) proudly announces the celebration of the heroes of the pandemic era during its 7th bi-annual Role Models of Distinction Awards & Scholarship Benefit.

The evening will be a blend of appreciation and festivities, marked with a Caribbean Masquerade Dinner, Dance, and Awards Party on Oct. 26, 2023, from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. at Dyker Beach Golf Course at 1030 86th St. in Brooklyn, NY 11228.

This starry night will honor major medical centers, spirited individuals, and community stalwarts who demonstrated unparalleled commitment during the tumultuous Covid-19 pandemic, emphasizing their exemplary service and dedication.

Among the distinguished honorees are:

  • Sandra Lindsay, the first individual to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. outside a clinical trial and an advocate for global health equity.
  • Lorena Kourousias, LMSW, a beacon for the underprivileged, has dedicated her life to building a social movement that supports and uplifts.
  • Douglas X. Alexander, a leading voice from the Lions Clubs International, dedicated to serving the community with utmost passion.
  • Sheldon P. McLeod, CEO for NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, setting benchmarks in healthcare management.
  • Larry Scott Blackmon, VP at FreshDirect that distributed thousands of fresh produce every day during COVID-19 Pandemic and after.  He is also the bridge connecting New York City’s influencers, power brokers, and community leaders.
  • Camille Joseph-Goldman, striving to connect communities throughout the northeast with Spectrum’s vast network.
  • Devorah Halberstam, an indomitable force against hate crimes, serving as a voice of reason and unity.
  • Dawn Skeete, encapsulating the spirit of Jamaica in Red Hook, Brooklyn through her restaurant, Jam’It Bistro.
  • Lidia Virgil & Dr. Lyndonna Marrast, both recognized for their profound contributions to the medical community.
  • Diane Adlam, a beacon of hope for the youth, providing them with opportunities and guidance and is recognized for her relentless efforts serving her community every day during COVID-19.
  • Alison Overseth, is a trailblazer in the after school education sector, boasting an impressive 27-year tenure in the field as the chief executive officer of the Partnership for After School Education (PASE)
  • Kashif  Hussain, currently serving as NYC deputy public advocate for Infrastructure and Environmental Justice at the Office of the NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams.
  • The CACNY, since 1987, has unwaveringly worked towards empowering immigrants, minorities, and other underserved communities. The proceeds from this prestigious event directly fuel its mission, ensuring deserving minority students continue to receive scholarships in fields as diverse as Medicine, Architecture, Law, Engineering, and more.

The event promises a mesmerizing evening, a testament to the spirit of community, resilience, and mutual respect. The organization invites individuals and corporations to join in this grand celebration by purchasing tickets to the event or donations towards its scholarship effort.

For more information or to support the CACNY’s mission, visit CACNY Awards 2023.

Press Contact: Ms. Jean Alexander, Executive Director:  917-651-4499

About CACNY: Established in 1987, the Caribbean American Center of New York, Inc. (CACNY) is a 501 c 3, tax-exempt, non-profit committed to empowering immigrants, minorities, and other underserved communities. Their primary mission is to offer multi-services and provide college scholarships to deserving minority students across various disciplines.