THE beautiful setting at Herdmanston Lodge became the quintessential backdrop for a spectacular event, dubbed ‘Toast and Tribute’, hosted last Saturday by Guyanese veteran fashion designer Sonia Noel through the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts.

The name Sonia Noel instantly evokes thoughts of glamorous fashion, and this was absolutely the case on this occasion, only, this time, it was a parade of fashions by the senior citizens of the Love and Faith Ministry; and what a splendid showcase it was!

Designers Pat Coates, Natasha Caldera, Andrea Braithwaite, Nelsion Nurse, Mwanza Glenn, Jason Shurland, Sydney Francois, Anita Daniels, Tracy Douglas, Wynetta Jones, Gem Fraser and Sonia Noel herself joined forces in paying tribute to the senior citizens of our nation, for their paving the way to the benefit of today’s society.

This fashion story was part of a make-over treat for 24 members of Ms Noel’s church. Sonia Noel has always had a preoccupation with the older folks, so much so that, for over a decade now, she has been one of the sponsors of the senior citizens’ Christmas party in her hometown of Bartica, as well as being a main contributor to the Archer Senior Citizens’ Home. It is certainly one of her ways of giving back to her community for the blessings she is convinced have been granted to her in life.

“When I told my group what Miss Noel was planning for us seniors, the excitement was great, and we all were anticipating a fantastic day. The event exceeded our expectations, and we pray Miss Noel will continue to make a difference, and (that) God’s blessings (will) always be with her,” Sister Beverley Sam noted.

This tribute was indeed a demonstration of Ms Noel’s philanthropy; but it could not be played out on a finer day, for last Saturday was Sonia’s birthday. So, instead of simply staging a toast to her life and accomplishments — so many for which she is eternally grateful — she chose to spend an afternoon lunching with the seniors. And so was borne Toast and Tribute with Sonia at Herdmanston’s.

Sonia noted, “(There are) not enough words to describe how I feel on this special day in the presence of such extraordinary people. The seniors expressed how grateful they are to my gesture, and (that) I am a blessing to their lives. I feel so blessed to spend this special day with people who would have contributed to our society and (who are) close friends of mine,” Sonia said.

As always, Sonia delivered with style. So, after rounding up an impressive line-up of designers, who all donated to the cause, she enlisted Clemencio Goddette and Karen Rhodius for hair and make-up by Flori Roberts.

The talented Russell Lancaster serenaded the seniors, Jennifer Thomas dramatized, Shawn English belted out melodious songs, Melessa Payne’s models performed, Ras Camo entertained, Merrano Isaacs hosted, and the very renowned Richard Young himself flew in from Trinidad to direct the afternoon’s proceedings, which went off without a hitch.

After a busy backstage scenario, styling the looks of the senior folks, Mr Young was overwhelmed while delivering his stirring tribute to his best friend, his confidante, and his fellow fashion icon.

Also present at the proceedings was Sonia’s other daughter, Marisca Fiedtkou-Jordan, and her grandson Jayden, who made her afternoon extraordinary; and there was Raquel Caesar, Maisa Da Silva, her pastor Claude Brooks, and Wendy Hermonstine, who closed off with a reminder that the most important thing in life is “in the giving back”

Sonia Noel would like to express sincerest thanks to Herdmanston Lodge, Mohammed’s Enterprise, Nigel’s Supermarket, N&S Mattai Company, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), ANSA McAL Trading (Guyana) Limited, DM Sales Beauty World, Oasis Cafe, Star Party Rental, Cosmetic Beauty World, Healing Water Spa, Milady’s Hair Salon, Home and Beauty Supplies’ Ken Phillips, Daddy’s Enterprise, James Bovell; Ken Thomas, Patrick Triumph, Shi Dindyal and Glenmore Wolseley.

Indeed, it was more than a memorable afternoon, it was an unforgettable experience. The inimitable John Denver’s lyrics were captured in Russell Lancaster’s rendition of ‘Perhaps Love’, and certainly resonated through ‘The memory of love will see you through’.

The Herdmanston occasion was such a success that Ms Noel’s pastor -– Claude Brooks — invited Russel Lancaster to perform the following day at the Love and Faith Ministry service, where he continued the Toast and Tribute, allowing the seniors to parade their new garb to the congregation and congratulating Sonia Noel on such a magnanimous gesture. The pastor said he hoped it would serve to change perspective regarding the senior citizens.

Ms Noel is also grateful to Mr. Terry Sawh for his contribution towards the event’s success.
Each senior departed with a gift bag of beauty products, and some left with gift certificates for a spa treatment, lunch and dinners.

By Alex Wayne