Every year the pre-campaign fundraising season for United Way of St. Thomas-St. John begins with a kickoff celebration. This year, in addition to the kickoff, the 35th anniversary paid tribute to community leaders, such as loyal companies and individuals, and notable community stalwarts, who were founding members of the United Way of St. Thomas-St. John, when its forerunner, the Community Chest changed its name to United Way of St. Thomas-St. John. Although the 2013 fundraising campaign season begins officially on Oct. 1, early-bird enthusiasts came out to pledge their donation on Saturday, Sept. 22, to the tune of $89,500 in support of the organization. The event was held at the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas.
Osbert Potter, president of the United Way Board of Directors, officiated and welcomed the dedicated crowd of United Way supporters to the elegant black tie affair. At the entrance, attendees were serenaded by student violinists and their teacher. Violinists were Isis Collier, Alana Davis and Julie Beistline. Presentations were made to the the Bornn family in memory of Dr. Roy Bornn, Coulianos family in memory of Captain Costas Coulianos, the Dudley family in memory of Gertrude Dudley Melchior, equally, in the category of Family Philanthropic Legacy. Innovative Companies was presented with the finalist award in the category of Corporate Philanthropic Legacy; other corporate nominees that were recognized in this category were Theodore Tunick & Company and the West Indian Company Limited. Scott Barber of Universal Business Supplies was presented with the Corporate Cause Marketing Award. The Social Services Forerunner Individual Award finalist was awarded to Gwendolyn Blake, who was recognized along with Canon Julian M. Clarke and Robert “Bob” Moss (posthumously). The Social Services Fundraiser Individual finalist was awarded to Neil Weiss, who was recognized along with Ricardo Charaf in this category. Additionally, three families were named for the Alexis de Tocqueville Member Category, namely, the Cohen, Kimelman and Stephenson families. The family of Ambassador Henry Kimelman, who is now deceased, was the finalist in this category.
Additionally, awards were given to the Top Corporate Supporters of the Year 2012. The recipients were Dudley Topper and Feuerzeig LLP, International Capital & Management Co., the Edouard Foundation, Prior Family Foundation, Innovative Companies, Virgin Islands Lottery and West Indian Company Ltd. The following companies were also recognized for Outstanding Corporate Support: Antilles Gas Corporation, Baker Magras & Associates, FirstBank, Theodore Tunick & Co. and Topa Properties Ltd. Cherise Creque Quain, executive director, extended thanks to all for making the event a success, including the 35th Anniversary Committee. Sponsors for the evenings event were Innovative Companies (Platinum Sponsor), Banco Popular (Silver Sponsor), Premier Wines and Spirits (Cocktail Sponsor), and the Auction Prize Sponsors Boolchands, Okidanokh and Sibella.
Quain said, “On behalf of the board and staff of United Way, our heartfelt thanks go out to all corporate and individual donors, who have pledged so far to United Way in support of kicking off the 2013 Campaign.” Donors have until Sept. 30, to make an early bird pledge as a United Way 35th Anniversary Kickoff donor. Call 774-3185 to make an investment in your community. Donations to United Way are tax deductible.
The monies raised by the campaign will support the following local, human service agencies: American Red Cross, Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands, Civil Air Patrol, C.O.A.S.T., Community Foundation of St. John, Dial-A-Ride St. Thomas, Ebenezer Gardens, Habitat for Humanity of the Virgin Islands, Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Lutheran Reformation Summer Program, Savan Boys’ Club, St. Andrews Outreach Summer Program, St. Thomas Reformed Church Summer Program and the Yellow Cedar Group Home.
