Sept. 15, 2007 –– The 2008 United Way of St. Thomas-St. John’s Campaign Kickoff was marked with heartfelt testimonials and thanks for the organization’s many contributors and volunteers, and anticipation for the upcoming year with more than $200,000 dollars pledged already.

United Way Agencies, donators and volunteers gathered at the Ritz-Carlton on Saturday morning to award those who selflessly give their time and money to support community-based organizations.

“I thought today was one of our best campaigns,” 2008 President Cheryl George-Chance said after the ceremony. George-Chance was notably excited about the event, saying that the day’s goal had been exceeded by 30 percent. Various individuals and companies pledged a total of $215,300 at the kickoff.

The United Way Board of Directors alone pledged the most jointly with a total of $17,900, she said. George-Chance acknowledged the directors. “I can proudly say that the United Way Board is one of the finest I have had the pleasure to work with -- hard workers, dedicated individuals.”

The 2007 Campaign co-chairs Alicia Boatwright and Ermin Boschulte announced that they raised a total of $600,080 in spite of “some challenges” faced, Boatwright said.

Board members and volunteers were recognized including the late Carole DeSenne, a Division Head, who died this past June. A moment of silence was held in her memory and George-Chance talked about the “compassionate community spirit” who was known “especially for helping young people in the community.”

“For those who knew her are fortunate, and those who didn’t, I wish you did,” George-Chance said.

Since beginning 28 years ago, United Way of St. Thomas-St. John has raised millions of dollars and benefited over 75 programs, according to George-Chance. Monies raised are used to support organizations such as V.I. Council, Boy Scouts of America, V.I. Institute for Teaching and Learning and Dial-A-Ride St. Thomas.

V.I. Institute for Teaching and Learning was initiated in 1994, and gives parents and teachers the tools to succeed in school, according to spokeswoman Karen Gutloff. Some of its programs are Mother Goose reading program, Health Connection Plus and Chess in Schools, which currently is sending two students to Greece to compete.