The Chewstick Foundation will be holding the 9th Anniversary Celebration Fundraiser on January 7, 2012 at the City Hall Theatre in Hamilton. The 9th Anniversary Celebration will be Chewstick’s first attempt at making the Anniversary a much needed fundraising event, complete with welcome reception, huge artist showcase, art auction and ability to donate to support this increasingly influential charity. The Chewstick Foundation works to not only highlight Bermudian talent and bring people from all walks of life together, but to aid in the cultivation of a distinctly Bermudian story that can serve to increase our Bermuda’s global awareness, local pride and focus on breaking down the social barriers that only serve to stifle our collective growth.

We are pleased to have Premier The Honourable Paula A. Cox, JP, MP, Minister of Finance as our distinguished patron this year.

Celebrations will begin with an opening reception in the City Hall Foyer from 7pm. At 8pm the audience will be ushered into the the City Hall Theatre for a showcase to highlight Chewstick’s bright, accomplished. dynamic and promising talents. An eclectic mix of dance, poetry, storytelling, rapping, and musical interludes has been compiled that is guaranteed to please everyone! After the show Gombeys will engage the crowd and lead the way back to the Chewstick facility on the corner of Elliot Street and Court Street for after-party vibes where the djs will takeover and the dancing will begin.

We are pleased and excited to have Premier The Honourable Paula A. Cox as our distinguished patron this year and hope that many others will join her in helping to support The Chewstick Foundation. To that end it is important to mention the incredible artists, storytellers and volunteers that are donating their time and talents to make this show possible. There are too many to mention here, but there is no doubt that this will be a show to remember, and will go a long way in helping to keep the Chewstick progams, initiatives and facility alive.

The Chewstick facility was purpose-built to permanently house programs that empower storytellers, artists and social justice in a way that enriches youth, arts, culture and community and ultimately become Bermuda’s premier destination for live entertainment, local culture and community development. The Chewstick Foundation has been going strong these past nine years, due largely to the support of those who believe in the Movement and the community it has been established to support. The Chewstick Foundation continues to inspire diverse individuals to share their stories artistically and provide a sanctuary of hope and inspiration in these dark times. Come to support this worthy cause, celebrate the 9th Chewversary and help further Chewstick’s endeavours to enrich our island home.

Tickets for the 9th Anniversary Celebrations will be sold for $30 (General) and $100 (Patron) and are available between 9am to 5pm at Kit & Caboodle, Rock Island Coffee, The Chewstick Headquarters on Court Street, or by contacting Chewstick at 292 2439 or emailing info@chewstick.org. Tickets and donations can also be made online at www.premiertickets.bm

In the meantime check out some of the pix from last years Anniversary: