Rupee Performs at Caribbean Students Scholarship Reception in NJ

CCB International announced that actress Lorraine Toussaint, currently starring as medical examiner Elaine Duchamps on NBC’s Crossing Jordan and former star of Lifetime’s critically acclaimed drama Any Day Now, will be the Keynote Speaker and Honoree at the non-profit organization’s 7th Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner on April 17th at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark.

Ms. Toussaint, a native of Trinidad, began acting with Shakespeare & Company and spent twelve years in theatre before embarking on a successful television and film career. A graduate of New York’s famous High School of the Performing Arts and The Julliard School, Ms. Toussaint has been tireless in her efforts to portray strong women on the stage and screen.

The goal of the April 17th fundraiser, which also marks CCB International’s 10th anniversary, is to raise $100,000 to provide college scholarships for New Jersey high school students of Caribbean-African-American heritage.

Soca Recording Artist, Rupee, a native of Barbados, will provide live entertainment at the fundraiser, which will bring together approximately 500 business, political and community leaders as well as local residents.

“As a grassroots organization, we are honored to have two high-profile celebrities from the Caribbean community share in our tribute to these dedicated students and CCB International’s 10th anniversary,” commented CCB’s Executive Director, Anthony Hutchinson.

The names of the 2004 scholarship award recipients will be announced on March 19th. Applications for the scholarship award competition can be downloaded from the CCB International website by visiting www.ccbinternational.org. The application deadline is February 22, 2004.

Sponsorships for CCB International’s 7th Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner are available ($1000 - $5000), individual tickets are $75 and journal ads are currently on sale ($50 - $2500) by contacting 212-653-8804 or ccb@eventsbyny.com.

Previous CCB International Scholarship Awards Dinner honorees, keynote speakers and performers include: 1998 Ms. Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam; Actor/Comedian Geoffrey Holder; Former Newark Councilman Cory Booker, Esq. and the Calypso King of the World, The Mighty Sparrow.

About CCB International
Founded in 1994, CCB International is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that has awarded $80,000 in college scholarships to high school students of Caribbean-African-American heritage throughout New Jersey. The scholarships are based on the results of a competitive application process. Award recipients are determined by their academic achievement, commitment to community service, participation in extracurricular activities and demonstrated financial need.