PLANTATION, Fla. — Hundreds gathered at Volunteer Park on Sunday for the Island SPACE Rum Cake and Black Cake Festival, a celebration of Caribbean culture that doubled as a relief effort for Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa.

“It’s bringing the energy and traditions of the holidays, always representing the Caribbean,” said organizer Calibe Thompson.

This year’s festival placed special focus on Jamaica, where last month’s Category 5 storm caused deaths and widespread destruction. “Right now Jamaica is going through one of the toughest times ever,” said baker Miko Atkinson.

Organizers pledged a portion of proceeds toward hurricane relief and turned the event into a donation site. Attendees dropped off supplies for families impacted by the storm.

“Being from Jamaica…it didn’t seem right to celebrate while so many people are suffering at home,” Thompson said.

Atkinson said seeing the community unite was encouraging. “It’s good to see the islands come together — not just on TV but here in Broward County.”

Many at the event said they have loved ones still struggling on the island as recovery efforts continue.

Caribbean culture and hurricane relief unite at Island SPACE Festival

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Aaron Maybin