Thursday, Aug. 7, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement held its 10th “Jamboree!: A Soulful Extravaganza on the Hudson” at Chelsea Piers aboard the Spirit of New York.
Jamboree featured almost 400 guests and a special performance by Grammy and Academy Award winner Regina Belle, along with saxophonist Darren Anderson and a live gospel show on the lower level. Hosted by Liz Black of WBLS/WLIB and Neicy Tribbett (mother of gospel star Tye Tribbett) of WLIB, the Jamboree was held 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and boasted two live disc jockeys, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet and a magnificent cruise along the Hudson River.
“Each Jamboree is better than the last,” exclaimed HCCI’s chairman, the Rev. Dr. Charles Curtis. “Unlike our annual gala, the Jamboree is priced so that our residents can afford to participate. Our goal is to encourage a sense of ownership and commitment to HCCI among community residents. It’s a wonderful community effort! ”
This is the second time that Belle has performed for an HCCI event. “I love supporting Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement because they do great work! It’s for our kids and it’s for our community, and you can’t do better than that!” Belle exclaimed.
Local resident and artist Sheila Prevost agreed, saying, “I love the work that HCCI does, and plus the event is a lot of fun! The ride on the Hudson River was beautiful! The view is fantastic, I loved the food, the music, and I met some really great people!”
This fun-filled event will benefit the HCCI Computer Clubhouse and HCCI’s Financial Literacy program. This year, premier sponsor United Business Solutions joined the effort and the following entities co-sponsored: Citi, City National Bank, Columbia University, Exact Capital, H&N Insurance Agency and WinnResidential. Also, Harlem News Group and Harlem World Magazines provided media support.
“One of the main reasons we host this event is to introduce new people to our work,” said Derek E. Broomes, president and CEO of HCCI. “Thankfully, HBSNA joined this year as a new sponsor, which came in at the highest level. Also, Interstate Adjusters and Total Restoration each gave donations and committed to support future initiatives.”
HCCI is a diverse interfaith consortium of more than 90 congregations established to revitalize the physical, economic, cultural and spiritual conditions of the Harlem community. HCCI has made a substantial impact on the social and living conditions prevalent in Harlem by developing low to moderate income housing; creating supportive health and human service facilities and programs; providing commercial development opportunities to local businesses; and expanding cultural programs.