Jan. 25, 2002 – As the official end of the 2002 campaign looms, United Way of St. Thomas-St. John has raised $519,000, or 80 percent of its goal of $650,000 — the largest goal ever attempted by the organization. The campaign officially runs until Jan 31.
Campaign chair Susan Laura Lugo reminded businesses and residents alike that it is never too late to make a contribution to United Way. "Although the campaign will officially close on Jan. 31, our campaign volunteers will continue to assist businesses and government agencies in the completion of their campaigns," she said. "I am confident that the additional funds to make, and even surpass, our goal will be forthcoming."
For the closing week, three special fund-raising activities have been scheduled:
– The annual Walk/Fun Run, on Sunday. The third annual two-mile event will start at 4:30 p.m. at the Coast Guard dock and proceed to Frenchtown and back. Bandannas will be given to the first 100 registered finishers, and special awards will go to government departments and companies with the most employees participating. Advance registration is on Saturday; the fees are $5 for ages 15 and under and $7 for adults. At the starting line on Sunday, the fee is $10 for everyone.
– The annual Flea Market and Bazaar on Feb. 2. United Way board members and representatives of the 17 United Way member agencies will be selling anything and everything at Emancipation Garden from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The offerings include previously owned clothing, jewelry, furniture and household goods; food and drinks; and plants. A balloon modelist will be on hand to entertain children. There'll also be face painting, games and music.
– The drawing of United Way Raffle winners on Feb. 2. Drawings for raffle prizes will be held more or less hourly at the Flea Market and Bazaar. Top prizes are a Royal Caribbean International weeklong cruise and two-night stays at several local resorts. Raffle tickets are $5 each and can be purchased from any United Way board member, at the United Way office or in front of the Emancipation Garden post office from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26. Ticket holders needn't be present Feb. 2 to win.
All proceeds from these activities will be added to the United Way campaign coffers.
Commenting on the progress of the campaign, Lugo said, "The work of all the volunteers that have gotten us to this point has been remarkable." She particularly praised the efforts of volunteers of three divisions that have surpassed their goals: the Residential Division, headed by Geraldine Heath; the Professionals Division, led by attorney Micol Morgan and Dr. Margaret Sprauve; and Government Division II, headed by Judy George, assisted by Averricia Williams.
Every dollar raised by the United Way stays in the community. The organization funds the following 17 agencies serving St. Thomas and St. John: The American Red Cross, V.I. Council of Boy Scouts of America, Carabana Ensemble Theater Company, 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, Fair Haven Camp, Friends of Volunteers in Public Schools, Girl Scout Council, Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Lutheran Reformation Summer Program, St. Thomas Reformed Church Summer Program, Shaky Acres and Victim Advocate Program.
