In a heartfelt celebration of philanthropy and education, the Lowell F. Hawthorne Foundation hosted its third annual fundraising gala on November 14 at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, New York. This prestigious event brought together leaders from the Jamaican diaspora and the broader community to honor the late Lowell Hawthorne, co-founder of the iconic Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant chain.
Lowell Hawthorne, who passed away in 2017, was renowned not only for his business acumen but also for his unwavering commitment to education. His widow, Lorna Hawthorne, established the Foundation seven years ago to continue his legacy by supporting students in the United States and the Caribbean struggling to afford college tuition.
“Lowell believed education was the cornerstone of community empowerment,” said Mrs. Hawthorne. “Through the Foundation, we aim to provide as many students as possible with opportunities to build a better future, bridging financial gaps and transforming lives.”
The gala served as both a tribute to Hawthorne’s vision and a platform for raising funds to sustain the Foundation’s scholarship programs. Over $200,000 has been raised through previous galas, with this year’s event adding to that impactful total. Attendees enthusiastically participated in raffles and a silent auction featuring exclusive items, with all proceeds directed toward scholarships.
Honoring Changemakers
The evening also recognized four outstanding individuals whose contributions align with the Foundation’s mission:
- Dr. Melvin I. Douglass received the Educator Leadership Award for his work with the Cave Whiteman Scholarship Programme, which mentors at-risk youth.
- Velma Hawthorne was honored with the Philanthropic Impact Award for her dedication to community service and advancing the Foundation’s goals.
- Dr. Reginald E. Manning earned the Community Leadership Award for his pioneering work in healthcare and education, including co-founding the Borough of Brooklyn Center for Arts & Technology.
- Christopher Williams was presented the Business Leadership Award for his transformative influence on the Caribbean financial sector as a co-founder of the PROVEN Group and his leadership at NCB Capital Markets.
A Vision for Education
Lowell Hawthorne’s journey from rural St. Andrew, Jamaica, to building the largest Jamaican-owned business in the United States is a testament to his belief in hard work, community upliftment, and education. Golden Krust, founded in 1989 alongside family members, now boasts over 100 locations across nine states.
“Lowell often said, ‘If we fail to educate our people, we risk depriving our communities of social, political, and economic empowerment,’” Mrs. Hawthorne shared. “This Foundation is our way of ensuring his dream of an educated and empowered society lives on.”
The gala was more than a fundraiser; it was a reminder of the enduring impact of one man’s vision. Through the Lowell F. Hawthorne Foundation, the next generation of leaders will rise, armed with the tools to create a brighter future for their communities.
