CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands, March 27th -- The United Way annual meeting was held at Palms Court Harborview on March 27, 2009 and chaired by out-going President Kim Moholland. United Way of St. Thomas-St. John's Executive Director, Cherise Creque Quain expressed thanks and deep gratitude to the residents, businesses and generous donors with ties to our St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island communities for their continued support and help in raising funds especially in these economic times. Newly elected President of the Board of Directors Moleto Abram Smith, Jr. said, “United Way is all about engaging our residents, empowering our community through the organizations that we fund and enhancing the quality of life through positive community impact.”

Currently, the 2009 Fundraising Campaign has received pledges at the 75% mark of the $800,000 goal. 2009 Campaign Co-Chairs are Penny Woods and Lori Dezendorf. Campaign Co-Chair Lori Dezendorf stated that, “It’s because of the hard and diligent work of the board, the staff, the campaign volunteers, and especially our division heads that we have had a successful campaign.” Campaign Co-Chair Lori Dezendorf recognized and thanked the Division Heads: Vashi Dadlani, Claudette George, Glenda Lake, Hugh ‘Pete’ Mabe, Marian Mathes, Merle Kiture Morgan, Tamarah Parson-Smalls, Paul Devine, Shirley Sadler, Moleto Smith, Jr., and Sinclair Wilkinson.

Organizations whose Employees Contributed 50% Or More Over Last Year: AT&T of the Virgin Islands, B&W Realty, Caravan Gallery, Cruz Bay Baptiste Church, Driscoll Construction, Federal Express, Forever Flowers, Joseph Sibilly Elementary School, Leeward Islands Management Company, Roy L. Schneider Regional Hospital and Medical Center, Spenceley Office Equipment, Stryker Duensing, Casner & Dollison, V.I. Office of Management & Budget, V.I. Planning & Natural Resources Department, V.I. Public Television System, and V.I. Territorial Emergency Management. Thirty-two individuals joined The Pacesetters (individuals contributing $500 or more) for a total membership of 403 individuals.
A special thank you to Caribbean Fun Stays, Biras Creek, West Indian Company, H. Stern, Bay Painters , Bluebeard’s Castle Hotel, Best Western Emerald Beach and Carib Beach Hotels, and Bolongo Bay Beach Resort for making our raffle a success. The Raffle Prize Winners are as follows:

Every dollar raised by the United Way stays in the community to support the following agencies: American Red Cross, V.I. Council of Boy Scouts of America, Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands, Civil Air Patrol, Dial-A-Ride 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, St. Andrews Sunny Saints Summer Program, St. Thomas Reformed Church Summer Program, Savan Boys Club, V.I. Institute for Teaching and Learning, and the Yellow Cedar Group Home.