Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

It's the practice of the socially conscious and forward thinking. Birthdays and anniversaries or occasions of personal importance are no longer seen as the vehicles of social indulgences and expressions of extravagance. They are now used for great philanthropic gestures.

Well, last Saturday night was just another example of the new trend as it was the birthday of celebrated businessman and Rotarian, André Hylton. He is long known within the inner sanctum of party circles for his fab parties. To celebrate his birthday last Saturday, the affable Hylton made a lovely twist!

To begin with, he was not saying, but his dear sisters decided that on attaining a significant birthday milestone, it should not go unheralded. So to celebrate, Sandra Hylton, Ingrid Hylton and Paula Wahrmann got together and planned a do in their brother's honour. And my dears, it proved to be truly marvellous and then some!

Dears, with those invited exhorted to make a charitable donation to the Guiding Light Charities, or donate back-to-school items to assist some of our less-fortunate with their preparation. Guests were more than generous in their response and it made for a warming of the cockles of the heart.

Sweet things, the party was hosted at the birthday boy's West Kirkland Heights, upper St Andrew residence. It's a charming abode with all the requisite ingredients of a hospitable and happening party. With the latest in contemporary pop music caressing the night, a buzzing bar in a beautiful garden, an inviting swimming pool and hot tub completing the charmingly decorated entertainment area; an upper garden and lawns for dining, it was a party-ready atmosphere!

Many friends, relatives and well-wishers journeyed up the hilly contours to the venue. And pumpkins, party they did!

High-octane entertainment

Luvs, from the very get-go, it was made abundantly clear that this was not going to be one of your stand-around-all-night-doing -nothing-outings. Upon arrival, guests were welcomed by a bevy of beautiful young women, dressed to thrill in hula-styled grass skirts, complete with faux Lei, that were used to garland their necks and thus underlining the high-octane entertainment level of the party.

Inside the party zone, guests were greeted with a chocolate fountain, spouting oodles of the life-enriching stuff, accompanied by kebabs of fruit and marshmallows to whet the appetite.

So with some good music pumping and guests itching to let go and enjoy the night, there was no stopping the party vibes and, dears, it flowed as hot magma! Short on ceremony, but long on entertainment and enjoyment, the partying was suspended very briefly to acknowledge Hylton with Anthony Hall doing the honours as master of ceremonies. After the birthday boy cut his cake, it was all about the partying, and dears, guests needed no urging. They simply partied to the max, and then some!

Among those out sharing in the festivities were People's National Party chairman Robert Pickersgill, his colleagues, member of parliament Maxine Henry-Wilson, and her daughter, Seya Ann; other members of Parliament Phillip Paulwell, Lisa Hanna, and her beau, Richard Lake; Rotarian and honorary consul of Iceland, Robert MacMillan, and companion, Candy DePass; Professor John Lindo; businessman Steve Ashley; the charming Kathrine Phipps; Tanny Shirley; Anthony and Nannette Roberts.

Other guests

We spotted Cleto Parkinson; Peter Jarvis; Maureen Webber; Robert Gregory; Kim-Marie Spence; Dwight Moore; the lovely Jessica Delpratt-Ingleside; Deryck Rose; Trevor and Claudine Heaven; brothers, Donovan and Gregory Mayne; Dr Gary Oates, in from Connecticut; the fab Nurma James; Dollis Campbell; Heron Thompson; Raymond Pryce; Janet Silvera; Michael Willacy; Jo-Anne Jackson; Noel Osbourne; the lovely Marsha Wilson; Astor Duggan; Danny and Valerie Baugh; Courtney Lawes; Lisa Grant; Steve James; Michael and Natalie Buckle.

Also out were Courtney Hall; Colin Henry; Marsha Smikle; Bradley Smith; Michelle Belnavis; models Crystal Patterson, Kaniggia Buckle, Tasha-Kaye Myers and Jodi-Ann Richards; Barrington Spencer; and the hostess with the most, the charming Kerry-Ann Kentish; plus a number of others.

It was a very charming outing, and nothing but!<