The D. H. Jackson Long-Term Disaster Recovery Committee Inc., which was founded by Randolph Bennett, continues to be active in the community through its philanthropic work.
The D.H. Jackson Scholarship Committee held its second annual health and wellness walk-a-thon fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 27, which was sponsored by Marty Goldberg, who is owner/president of the Fruit Bowl, according to Bernadette V.M. Melendez of the D. H. Jackson Scholarship Committee, which is part of the D. H. Jackson Long-Term Disaster Recovery Committee Inc.
The event started at 5:30 a.m. on the Waterfront Apron across from the Fort Christian parking lot, proceeded along the waterfront apron, and continued onto the sidewalks along the highway with police escorts directing traffic along the route. The walk ended at John Brewers Bay.
One hundred twenty participants registered for the event. Trophies were presented to the first male and the first female to cross the finish line. The winners were Matthew Richardson and Dr. Lauritz Mills. The two top fundraisers were Anya Stuart and Rhea Benjamin, and each was presented a Fruit Bowl $100 gift card.
The funds raised from the walk-a-thon will allow the committee to continue to provide financial support to the youths in the territory and at the local university.
The committee has been in existence for five years and provides four scholarships annually to graduating high school seniors from the four public high schools in the territory. These students must attend the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). To date, the committee has provided $20,000 in scholarships.
Each year, the committee also honors an outstanding citizen in the community. This year’s honoree is Apostle Dr. Gladstone Hazel, pastor of Christian Fellowship Ministries Center on St. Thomas.
The Fifth Annual Scholarship Banquet is scheduled for 6-9 p.m., Nov. 12, at the Holy Family Catholic Church Banquet Hall. At this event, scholarships will be awarded to the scholarship winners. Also recognized at the banquet will be the 2022 honoree for outstanding citizenship in the community and a plaque will be presented to the recipient.
The last four years of honorees will also be recognized. The committee fundraises all year; therefore, members in the community can call 474-9232 or 998-9945 to donate. Supporters can also visit the website at https://dhjdisasterrecovery.org.
