By GENEA NOEL

Freeport News Reporter

In an effort to link sophisticated fun with fund-raising, several persons turned out last Saturday evening for a "Pink and White Affair" hosted by the Rotaract Club of Grand Bahama to raise funds for the Grand Bahama Cancer Association to complete a hospice centre.

The event held at Xanadu Beach Resort gave party-goers a chance to mix and mingle and enjoy fine entertainment by favoured Grand Bahama musicians.

Gayla McPhee, president of Rotaract Club of Freeport said that she plans to make the Affair an annual event in assisting the Association with different projects.

"Tonight it is all about fun, but we also want to raise funds for the Association for this worthy cause," said McPhee.

She added that they chose the Association because of the work that they do and the work they plan to do in Grand Bahama.

"Our club focuses on community service and many Bahamians suffer from cancer so we thought that this would be an ideal organization to work with," said McPhee

The Rotaract members also honoured fellow member, Jodi Martin, who recently died from cancer. "This project is special to us because it hits close to home, one of our fellow members died from cancer so it was important for us to do this," said McPhee.

McPhee added that the hospice, once completed will go a long way in the Grand Bahama community.

" I hope that the Association will be able to use the funds to help those that truly need it. Some people may not have anywhere to stay when dealing with illnesses and the hospice will give them that special place.

Norma Headley, president of the Cancer Association said that she was delighted that such a young group took on a great cause. She added that they came to the Association a month ago and asked to be a part of the project.

"I am delighted to see that young people still care about the community and want to encourage change," said Headley.

"We want the hospice to be a place to take people to the next level with dignity and pride, this is what the community of Grand Bahama needs."

The hospice, located on West Atlantic Drive, currently has one room, the Association plans to extend the area to accommodate six more rooms for patients.

Headley added that the funds from the Affair will hopefully be able to complete the project and hopes that other service club will see the project as a way to help the Association.

Minerva Kemp, president of Rotary Club of Lucaya was pleased with the event and said that the Rotary Club will always support Rotaract as they are the future Rotarians.

'We always try to work with them and support them to show them that service is an ongoing thing that they should be proud of," said Kemp.