A Carnival fund raiser, complete with music, balloons and magic, is being held for the Mocko Jumbie Jamboree troupe from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at Hook, Line & Sinker in Frenchtown.
The popular award-winning troupe accepted the invitation to appear in the 1999 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, which was an honor. However, the troupe members had to finance the cost of getting there themselves. Now they need to find funds for the annual V.I. Carnival jump up.
The mocko jumbies under the direction of Gerry Cockrell have become a part of the St. Thomas cultural scene, appearing over the last 10 years at Havensight and Destination Downtown night-time street festivities, benefits of all kinds, and, of course, V.I. Carnival.
But all of this takes money. The fund-raising evening will feature dinner -– salad, entree and wine or soft drink -– for $25 per adult and $12.50 per child under 12. The evening's big treat is a balloon raffle, to be topped off by a magic show by Steve Prosterman. This will be accompanied by steelpan and keyboard music and songs by the Inmates.
The balloons will be for sale, each one containing a mystery prize, according to Cockrell. The prizes include hotel stays, jewelry and fine dining.
Cockrell said that without the community support she has received, some of the troupe, composed mainly of school children, wouldn't be able to participate. Aside from the fun of it, Cockrell said, the youngsters learn discipline, develop self-esteem and acquire pride in themselves and in their island.
For reservations, call Becky at Hook, Line & Sinker at (340) 776-9708 or Gerry at (340) 774-7057.
