Retired NBA player and current ambassador for the Golden State Warriors, Adonal Foyle hosted the 15th Annual Hi Caribbean In White (HCIW) event Sept. 28 at the California Ballroom in downtown Oakland. Benefiting his Kerosene Lamp Foundation (KLF), the event featured guests elegantly dressed in white dancing to the beats of DJ Fusion of Toronto, Canada.

The room was transformed into a scene from the motherland as drummers brought the beat of Africa with performances by the Daktara Dance Medicine Collective. In colorful feathered costumes and bikinis dancers moved throughout the audience handing out beaded necklaces.

While the event remained festive, Foyle paid tribute to two special people in his life; his 98-year-old aunt, Jane Lewis and longtime foundation supporter Darryl Jefferson. “My aunt is being buried back home (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) this evening,” said Foyle sadly. “She was a great lady that poured love into the lives of almost every youth on the island. There’s not a family that wasn’t touched by her love.”

A plaque of appreciation was presented to seven family members of Darryl Jefferson who was killed in a hit-and-run accident in February. Jefferson’s mother shed tears as Foyle thanked him posthumously for the years he dedicated to the foundation.

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Guests had the opportunity to win raffle items, visit vendors and eat complimentary Caribbean cuisine of plantains, curry shrimp, and chicken. A #30 Warriors jersey signed by Steph Curry was raffled off for nearly $1,000. The highest bidder posed with the framed shirt for the photographers on hand. A live video stream of the event was coordinated by Onstage Plus.

“I founded the Kerosene Lamp Foundation (KLF) to help at-risk youth in the U.S. and the Caribbean through athletic and academics, basketball camps, mentorship and court refurbishment projects,” said Foyle.

KLF has also awarded scholarships to students to participate in the Student Program for Innovation in Science and Engineering (SPISE), hosted by the Caribbean Science Foundation. Two past KLF scholars now attend Princeton University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). “By investing in young minds, we give them the tools necessary to help them unlock their potential and future,” said Foyle. “This year, we also gave away 500 backpacks and plan to distribute 2,000 next year.”

Foyle presented a $1,000 check to Armand Carr, the svelte voice of KBLX. Carr runs the All Tied Up Foundation that also prepares young boys for the future. “KLF is making a huge difference and we are grateful for the recognition,” said Carr. For more information visit: www.KeroseneLampFoundation.org

Carla Thomas

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