About Us
About Us
Mission
To promote Caribbean culture in the city of Rochester and its surrounding areas through workshops, our annual festival, and partnering with other community groups.
Vision
RWIFO, Inc. is dedicated to the educational success of our youth and to building a strong Caribbean Community: Culturally, Socially, and Financially. Our goal is to reach as many people as possible through our annual Caribbean Festival and other community events.
History
The Rochester West Indian Festival Org., Inc. (RWIFO) was founded in November 1983 and was incorporated in June 1989. It gained non-profit status from the Federal government in 1989 and exemption from NY state and local taxes in 1990. It has a 501(c)(3) status. The organization is comprised of members from different Caribbean islands. The organization is the proud sponsor of Carifest, the Caribbean Festival held annually in the city of Rochester since 1985.
Purpose
Provide Scholarships to college-bound minority students.
Organize and host the annual cultural Caribbean festival, CARIFEST, which helps to educate the people of Rochester and its surrounding communities about the Caribbean culture.
Work with young people to maintain the Caribbean culture
Share Caribbean culture with the Rochester Community
Interact with neighboring cities, such as Syracuse, Buffalo, and Toronto with a focus on our Culture
Carifest
The annual costume parade highlights the traditional carnival spirit of the Caribbean, with its flamboyant costumes and music. The parade starts at Liberty Pole Way, Downtown Rochester, continuing down Main Street. It gives the people of Rochester and its surrounding communities a taste of the Caribbean culture.
Scholarships
RWIFO gives annual scholarships to minority high schools students going on to college. To date, a total of over Ninety Thousand ($90,000) dollars has been awarded to scholarship recipients.
