The Foundation was established after the death of 26-year-old Botham Jean in 2018. On September 6th, 2018, he was shot and killed by a Dallas Police Officer whose claim was, that she mistakenly entered his apartment believing it to be hers.
His mother, Dr. Allison Jean, says the Foundation is keeping his legacy of community and social activism alive by hosting fundraisers to fund projects in Saint Lucia. This year, the Foundation continues with its annual fundraising gala held in Dallas, Texas on September 21st.
“This year our theme is “One Day at a Time” and we hope to have as our main entertainment the legendary Saint Lucian, Boo Hinkson with the jazz singer, Miss Christa Bailey. The gala is the foundation's main fundraiser where we sell tables and seats and allow people to enjoy a dinner,” she said.
The ticket prices range from general to VIP admission with individual and group entry.
The regular individual ticket costs USD$150 and the regular table of 10 price is USD1100.
The VIP individual ticket costs USD$200 and the VIP table of 10 price is USD$1500.
The Gala will be held at the Renaissance Art Institute in Dallas, Texas and doors open at 6:30PM CST for the VIP Reception. The doors open for Regular ticket holders at 7:30PM CST.
Dr. Jean notes that the Foundation puts the donations collected to good use with many projects in Saint Lucia.
“Last week, we hosted a health fair at Anse La Raye and we also saw the residents of the St. Lucy's home and that was done with a team of medical practitioners from Saint Lucia as well as the United States,” she said.
Close to one of Botham’s passions, Dr Jean explains that the Foundation is providing free skills training courses to youth at the National Skills Development Centre.
“Yesterday, we held a ceremony for what we call the BJ-YES programme. It's the Botham Jean - Youth Exploring Skills, and that is a four-week summer programme for students ages 12 to 18.”
Dr Jean adds that the Foundation is also providing scholarships to Botham’s alma mater for the highest-performing students.
“We are going to be giving two scholarships to students at the Carmen Rene Memorial School and these scholarships come with all books, uniforms, shoes and school supplies.”