CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands, September 24, 2003 – On Saturday, October 4, community volunteers and donors will be putting their passion into action to help United Way of St. Thomas-St. John launch its 2004 Campaign. Early contributors and volunteers from throughout the community will gather at United Way’s 25th annual kickoff and appreciation breakfast at The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas to get the campaign off to a positive start.

 “This is the most important campaign in the 25-year history of our United Way”, said Steve Baker, 2004 Campaign Chairman. “It is comforting to know that in times of uncertainty, there’s an organization with an army of people who care about our community. Our donors and volunteers realize that in light of the Virgin Islands’ economy, it is vital that the United Way continues to provide the support needed by our 16 member agencies. This year’s campaign goal of $800,000 will allow United Way to do just that.”

A new leadership giving program will be unveiled at the event and addition to its first members, over 60 individuals, companies and organizations will be participating as kickoff donors and publicly announcing their commitment to the campaign. Cornel Williams, president of the United Way board of directors, said, “These community leaders and generous supporters are setting the pace for others to follow and we are extremely grateful.” He said that in celebration of the organization’s 25th anniversary, a locally-produced documentary honoring past volunteers and contributors will be aired and a founding board member will be a guest speaker. Volunteers and contributors from the previous campaign will also be honored at the event.

The 2004 Campaign officially begins on October 1, 2003 and concludes on January 31, 2004. The monies raised by the campaign will support the following local, human service agencies: American Red Cross, V.I. Council of Boy Scouts of America, 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, 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, V.I. Institute for Teaching and Learning, the Yellow Cedar Group Home and the Venture Grant program.