International Capital & Management Company (ICMC) owned by Richard Stephenson held two special but different events almost back to back recently. The first was the annual fundraiser for an important arm of the organization, Cancer Support VI, overseen by powerhouse Charlene Kehoe. Cancer patients and survivors have been supported in their quest to get and/or remain healthy through this organization which also provides support in the way of lectures and demonstrations from professionals throughout the year.
If you live on St. Thomas and travel over Government Hill, the headquarters of ICMC is in the beautiful building directly across from the crest of the hill on Kongens Gade. The fundraiser was staged on the spacious balcony of the headquarters and the theme of the evening was “Soiree in Paris Circa 1920.” It was a delight to see how many guests took the theme to heart and dressed to impress. Some of our more familiar citizens were so much in disguise that they were hardly recognizable, looking like they stepped right out of a high fashion magazine from the period.
Among those who we spotted were Terry and Sue Robinson, Mel and Ilene Miller, Sharon and Fred Hupprich, Clara Stryker, Chad and Lynn Maduro, Joe Papa, Marylee Pratinicki, Carol and Marty Tuohy, Tom Bolt and Jeni Smith, whose garden veggies I hope they share when the bounty comes in. Also seen were Sean and Allison Krivatch, Sharon Peacherson, Cheryl and Dennis Chance, Maria Connor and Ariane Joseph Lewis, whom we hadn’t seen in quite a while and we had great chats. Dick Stephenson was accompanied by Stacie Macari, while ICMC CEO, Cornell Williams, who greeted us on arrival, enjoyed the festivities with his wife, Lena. Staff members Melita Etienne was the chanteuse of the evening and she had her colleague Avon Brown pose as the foil for her rendition of “Whatever Lola Wants”!
Cancer survivor Vernelle Stevens, accompanied by her husband, shared her remarkable journey and the help she found through cancer support and Cancer Treatment Centers of America, which was also founded by Stephenson. Dick remains one of the bright lights of hope in our too often darkened community.
Master auctioneer George Blackhall led the crowd, which at times became quite rowdy through exciting rounds of competitive bidding. One six-liter magnum of Veuve Cliqout champagne finally sold for a cool grand. Pretty cool! There were several boxes of vintage wines, as well as jewelry and special trips, on the auction block that evening. The silent auction was held in an upstairs room and included cruises and vacation packages. The bountiful repast was prepared by Chef Alexander Treml, while music was provided by Freddie Rabuse and DJ Amos.
Although you may not have attended the fundraiser, you can still make a donation to assist cancer patients and survivors by sending your checks to Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. Please indicate in the memo portion that your contribution is for V.I. Cancer Patient Fund.
A few days after the fundraiser, Charlene hosted her regularly scheduled ICMC cooking demonstration at Oceana restaurant in Frenchtown where guests were treated to a scrumptious and healthy meal prepared by CTCA Chef Frank Caputo who was accompanied by his colleague, nutritionist Sharon Day. The free tastes included fire roasted Roma tomato salad with homemade hummus; grilled green beans with bean puree and roasted veggies; grilled pineapple with cinnamon honey yogurt drizzle; and the dessert was a sunset smoothie whipped up with local fruit and low-fat yogurt. YUM!
Luncheon guests included cancer survivors, caregivers, friends and family members, who were all eager to improve on the nutritious meals they could easily prepare at home. Among those tasting were Karen Lenhardt, Louise Lettsome, Wilma Blyden-Davis, Elsie Chinnery, Melissa Williams, Verna Rivers, Mary Myers, Yvonne Woodley, Yvonne Freeman, Michelle Mardenborough, Elsie de Nova, Jeryl Hodge, Jacqueline Davis, Audrene Mills, Michele Turnbull and Kishma Allen. After enjoying the tasty fare many gathered on the restaurant’s balcony for an impromptu sing along, joined by Sharon Day. These events are always free and are always a time of great bonding. Keep an eye and ear out for the next one.
SCENE….!!!
Invitations to public and private events may be sent to junearchibald2@gmail.com or source@viaccess.net
