17th Annual GUYDA Gala and Raffle
"Stronger Together"

About the Gala

Guyana United Youth Development Association, Inc. (GUYDA) will be celebrating its 17th Annual Anniversary Gala, as a hybrid gala, with both an in-person and online option for our guests, on Saturday, December 11, 2021, from 7:30 pm – 1:00 am. This hybrid gala would allow all vaccinated in-person guests to dine at Antun’s, while our online guests would have the option of having their dinner delivered by Antun’s. In addition, all guests would enjoy the entertainment of our entire program.

Please join us in this hybrid experience, on Zoom or at Antun’s, and be entertained with a variety show that highlights the talents of many gifted artists from Guyana and America, such as Guyanese saxophonist, soloist, pannist, folklorist, DJ Shrimpy, and Saxie & De Brothers Band. 

Gala Ticket Information

In-person attendance to Antun’s dinner reception requires a donation of $120 that gives access to a full one-hour cocktail, three-course meal, and an open top-shelf bar. In addition, guests who will be viewing the Gala virtually and reside in Suffolk County, Nassau County, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, or the Bronx, can also enjoy a delivered dinner (pre-ordered by December 1), for donations from $85 or above. However, we would appreciate a generous donation for online guests who do not want a delivered dinner.

Raffle Information

The proceeds from this event and raffle will support the organization’s mission of providing educational, social, and cultural opportunities to the youth of Guyana, the Caribbean, and the USA. GUYDA is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all proceeds from this event will go towards fulfilling our mission.

Raffle tickets are $1.00

Raffle prizes are:

Third Prize - Breakfast Hamper Package












*Image doesn't reflect all items in the hamper


Second Prize - Liquor Hamper Package












*Image doesn't reflect all items in the hamper


First Prize - 45" inch Samsung Flat Screen TV









 

2021 Gala Sponsors and Journal

2021 Gala Honoree

Rayfield “Pepe” Beaton is a former U.S. College track champion and Olympian. He was awarded a track scholarship to attend the University of Southern California in 1974 where he graduated with a B.A. in Marketing in 1978.

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The versatile Beaton, who grew up in Victoria Village and attended Bedford Primary School where he was the Champion Boy in 1967. He also played rugby for THS, was dominant in the 100, 200, and 400 meters. During his college years at USC Rayfield added the 800 and 1,500 meters to his repertoire. He also dominated those races with record-breaking performances.

Mr. Beaton won the prestigious THS “Champion Boy Award” in 1970. He contributes his success to discipline, perseverance, and the presence of very important architects of the blueprint of his life, despite growing up in a challenging social environment. When asked about his grit and success on the track he stated, “I always had to prove myself.” His sojourn at Tutorial had an eventful beginning and stellar ending.

Pepe’s former track and field coach Ed Hartley, and former THS student/athlete Lear Matthews were two of his most influential mentors. Rayfield Beaton was also a member of the 1976 Montreal Olympic Team and billed as one of the athletes expected to win a medal for his home country, Guyana.

Unfortunately, the “African Boycott” precluded such a potentially historic feat. Rayfield is listed among the top ten outdoor performers on the University of Southern California Men’s Track and Field team, as well as one of Guyana’s most accomplished athletes.

He currently coaches high school, college, and professional athletes in California. The athletes he coaches adore him and praise his dedication, expertise, and compassion. Mr. Beaton’s granddaughter is also a rising star in the sprint events.

He is committed to helping athletes from Guyana and in the Diaspora. However, he has concerns about the present conditions of training facilities, as well as the quality, and sincerity of local officials. Regarding the development of local athletes, Coach Beaton warns, “We need to move from talking to taking action. We need to get people who know what they are doing.” Pepe’s career is an inspiration to student-athletes at Tutorial and beyond.