Jan. 25, 2002 – As the official end of the 2002 Campaign looms closer, the 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 January 31, 2002.
Campaign chairwoman Susan Laura Lugo reminded businesses and residents alike that it is never too late to make a contribution to the United Way. "Although the campaign will officially close on January 31, our campaign volunteers will continue to assist businesses and government agencies in the completion of their campaigns. I am confident that the additional funds to make, and even surpass, our goal will be forthcoming," she said.
Three special events have been scheduled for the closing week.
Walk/Fun Run on Sunday, Jan. 27 – The third annual 2-mile Walk/Fun Run will start at 4:30 p.m. at the Coast Guard Dock on St. Thomas. Bandanas will be given to the first 100 registered finishers, and special awards go to government departments and companies with the most employees participating. Advance registration is on Saturday; the fee is $5 for ages 15 and under, $7 for adults. Entry fee on race day is $10 for everyone.
Flea Market and Bazaar on Saturday, Feb. 2 – United Way’s annual giant Flea Market and Bazaar will be held at St. Thomas's Emancipation Gardenfrom 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. United Way board members, along with representatives of United Way’s 17 member agencies, will be selling previously-owned clothing, jewelry, furniture and household goods; food and drinks; and plants. On hand to entertain children will be a balloon modelist, and face-painting, games and music will be provided.
Raffle drawing – The drawing of the United Way raffle will also take place at the Flea Market, and lucky winners of a Royal Caribbean 7-night Caribbean cruise, 2-night vacations at several local resorts, and other prizes will be chosen and announced. Drawings will be about every hour, and you don't have to be present to win.
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 on Saturday, Jan. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All proceeds from these events will be added to the United Way’s 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 divisional goals: the Residential Division, headed by Geraldine Heath; Professionals Division, led by Attorney Micol Morgan and Dr. Margaret Sprauve; and Government Division II, headed by Judy George and assisted by Averricia Williams.
Every dollar raised by the United Way stays in the community to support the following 17 human-service agencies serving St. Thomas and St. John: 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.