Sept. 24, 2005 –– The United Way of St. Thomas/St. John began its 27th annual fund-raising campaign Saturday with a resounding beat of a gong at its 2006 Campaign Kickoff and Appreciation Breakfast at the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas.
More than 50 individuals and representatives from various community organizations and companies contributed to the nonprofit organization, helping the United Way to raise $258,140 or 32 percent of its $800,000 goal on the first day of its campaign.
"The board set this year's goat at $800,000 not because it can be easily reached, but because the community needs that and more," Raymond Green, United Way president, said during his welcome speech.
Green said the United Way received $780,000 for the 2004-2005 campaign, falling short of its $800,000 goal.
"This was primarily because our EDC [Economic Development Commission] companies' contribution went down," Green said.
However, this year the United Way is seeking new strategies for fundraising. Instead of focusing mainly on EDC companies, Green said the organization will host a benefit concert featuring jazz bassist Reuben Rogers, who was born in the V.I. and St. Thomas-born saxophonist Ron Blake. The concert, which is planned for Jan. 21, will bring other jazz notables to the Reichhold Center for the Arts stage including, Diana Reeves and Peter Martin. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the United Way.
Attendees at Saturday morning's event were treated to a video sneak preview of the guest artists and invited to order tickets at a discounted price.
This year, as the various community donors went up on the platform to announce their pledges and contributions, they each beat a gong, heralding success for the 2005-2006 campaign.
Robert Schmidt and Kim Holdsworth, members of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, led the kick-off donors with their contributions. Individuals who contribute at least $10,000 annually to the United Way are eligible to become members of the society.
The Prosser ICC Foundation followed, with a maximum pledge of $25,000, matching the contributions of its St. Thomas-St. John companies. Other corporate sponsors included: The Redhead Management at $20,000, West Indian Co.Ltd. with $15,000, Dudley, Topper and Feuerzeig LLP and International Capital and Management Co. at $10,000 each, the Bank of Nova Scotia with $8,000, A.H. Riise with $7,500, and FirstBank VI with a pledge of $7,000.
Recognition was also given to Baker Magras & Associates, Caneel Bay, Topa Properties and Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Heath for their $5,000 contributions.
Other contributors at Saturday's event included: Andrea and Steve Martin with $4,000; Banco Popular de Puerto Rico with $4,000; Susan Laura Lugo, George Dudley and Marriott Frenchman's Reef, each pledging $3,500; Katherine Gibson, Richard and Carolyn LaCombe, Henry and Penny Feuerzeig, Adriane Dudley, Dr. Margaret Sprauve and Michael Martin, Caribbean Auto Mart and Rotary Club of St. Thomas II all pledging $2,000.
The United Way of St. Thomas-St. John, founded in 1978, is a nonprofit organization that raises funds for its 13 member agencies all of which deliver human services to the community. The member agencies are: American Red Cross, V.I. Council of Boy Scouts of America, Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands, Civil Air Patrol, Downstreet People's Youth in Action, Dial-A-Ride St. John, Dial-A-Ride St. Thomas, Ebenezer Gardens, Girl Scout Council, Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Lutheran Reformation Summer Program, St. Thomas Reformed Church Summer Program, V.I. Institute for Teaching and Learning, and the Yellow Cedar Group Home. Funds raised will also support United Way's Venture Grant program.
