Empress performs at last Thursday's launch of 'MUSIC in the name of LIFE', held... Photo by Mel Cooke

When Lawman Lynch from the foundation of the same name spoke at the official launch of 'MUSIC in the name of LIFE' last Thursday evening, he mentioned the dearth of a philanthropic spirit among top-flight entertainers and private-sector companies.

The concert and celebrity fashion show (featuring entertainers, politicians, media workers and young professionals) will be held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Old Hope Road, St Andrew, on Saturday, May 30. The objective is to raise $2.5 million for Martha's House in Central Kingston, which was recently destroyed by fire.

Lynch told those gathered at the National Centre for Youth Development (NYCD) off Half-Way Tree Road, St Andrew, that "if they are not called by a particular individual, you do not get anything done".

In addition, he said, "There are other entertainers who will tell you they are not moving until you can provide them with X amount. They are not moving until you provide them with $200,000."

Lynch said that he understands the recession, but asked how a child in a home, living with HIV/AIDS and without an income feels.

'MUSIC in the name of LIFE' is being put on by the Lawman Lynch Foundation, in association with the Kiwanis Club of Constant Spring and the Kingston and St Andrew Action Forum (KSA-AF).

At the time of the launch, D'Angel (who Lynch said has been very supportive), G-Whizz, Empress, To-Isis, Gyptian and Ashe had been confirmed, but Lynch said "we just don't have that one (headline) act". He said, though, that the official posters for the event would have been printed last Friday, no matter what.

In2Nation band will provide music for the performers.

This is not the first initiative by the foundation, as through Pass On The Love on Valentine's Day, 400 persons were fed in inner-city communities through contributions from a number of people. Stephanie Chambers, external affairs chair of the UWI, Mona Guild, and Godfrey Lothian of the KSA-AF both gave their organisations' support of the event publicly.

Tickets are available at the KSA-AF in Cross Roads, the NYCD, the UWI's Students' Union and Esso Dunrobin.

Lawman Lynch