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HomeNewsLocal newsCancer Support V.I. Raised More Than $115,000 in Month-long Drive

Cancer Support V.I. Raised More Than $115,000 in Month-long Drive

Students and staff at All Saints Cathedral School students rally for cancer awareness in October. (From Barbara Michaud's Facebook page)
Students and staff at All Saints Cathedral School students rally for cancer awareness in October. (From Barbara Michaud’s Facebook page)

Cancer Support Virgin Islands, a group that provides financial assistance to U.S. Virgin Islands cancer patients, reported that it raised more than $115,000 in its October fund drive.

In a news release issued Thursday, the organization reported on the results of its October initiatives.

“To raise awareness and funds for those in our communities affected by breast cancer we set out to create a month-long series of campaigns that would inspire and engage our community,” wrote Barb Michaud, development manager for CSVI.

Michaud noted the effort came amid some difficult economic circumstances.

“We could not have predicted one year after two Cat 5 hurricanes that we could raise over $115,000,” she said. “Cancer did not blow away in the hurricanes but our ability to provide all cancer treatment services were compromised in these storms. We are deeply grateful for generosity of our business community and our private sector for their commitment to championing this cause.”

Staff at The Fruit Bowl on St. Thomas sport their Shades of Pink love buttons.
Staff at The Fruit Bowl on St. Thomas sport their Shades of Pink love buttons.

The announcement highlighted many of the initiatives the group and its supporters took on in the drive, which included:

– “Paint the Town Pink,” led by local businesses, in which participating retail shops and restaurants created a product to sell, and for which a portion of the proceeds would go directly to the Community Foundation of the V.I. CSVI fund. Linda Wright, from DeSigns donated pole banners valued at over $2.500 that could be seen for the full stretch of the Charlotte Amalie waterfront.

– “Give Cancer The Boots” was supported by Zappos and Hunter Boots, which between them donated 10 pairs of tall pink boots that CSVI distributed businesses that found ways to fill the boots with donations every day of the campaign. For example, the Junior Fire Fighters took to the streets one Saturday and in two hours raised more than $2,500.

– In “Pinktober,” businesses and restaurants created independent campaigns to raise awareness and funds for those in the communities affected by cancer.

One such campaign, led by entrepreneur Hooman Pedram, owner of Tap ‘n’ Still and Chicken and Bowling, raised more than $7,500 with its “Pink Bag” initiative. Jessica and Kevin Likens sold raffle tickets for the chance to cut Kevin’s hair, raising more than $1,000 which was matched that with a private donation

– Artist/entrepreneur Wendy William Watt led the “Big Love Ball,” purchasing 5,000 “Shades of Pink” buttons which raised $19,000. Beverly Nicholson Doty and the V.I. Department of Tourism purchased 1,550 of the buttons to pass out to all our ports to welcome visitors. Willie Hamed, owner of Plaza Extra and Moe’s Fresh Market inspired their entire team to selling the buttons and raised over $4,600!

“None of this would have been possible without our sponsors,” Michaud said.

She listed the “Pink Diamond Presenting Sponsors” as XO Energy, Century Wealth Advisors.

“Hope Sponsors” were Theodore Tunick Insurance, the Deptartment of Tourism and Auven Therapeutics. The “Save the Hooters” sponsors were 183 Media, Calypso Realty, IPB Bank, CAS Repairs, Merchants Bank, Amalie Car Rental, Brisa Maxx, Alpine Securities, Curreri Real Estate, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Nairns.

Give Cancer the Boot was sponsored by Rader Construction, Sea Glass Properties, Moe’s Fresh Market, GCI, Cornerstone Insurance, Mr. & Mrs. Albert Paiewonsky, Caribbean Food Service, Paint Depot.

– In “Sip Dip Bubbles and Paint,” artist Jen Papatoros empowered women to dip their breasts in paint to create beautiful art and in turn CSVI raised over $5,300! Caribbean Fish Market, Saint Thomas Restaurant Group and Jessica Hume who donated all the appetizers and event venue.

– “Drink Pink” was held at The Old Stone Farmhouse. Owners Neil and Trudie Prior donated the space and Barb Saracena and Chef August created a memorable evening.

Local businesses donated silent auction items that helped raise almost $20,000 that evening.

“We are deeply grateful for generosity of our business community and our private sector for their commitment to championing this cause,” Michaud said. “We are all impacted in some way by cancer. What is key to note in this story is that we are making a huge difference every day for those affected by this disease. … This is an amazing story that shows us that we are a brave resilient and restorative community!”

Michaud noted that the funds are available to assist those in the communities affected by cancer, and those in need can contact CSVI Director Charlene, Kehoe at 340-715-5806 or by email at kehoeC@icmcvi.com.

All funds raised by CSVI are managed by Kehoe via the V.I. Cancer Patient Fund of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands.

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