Entrepreneur Business Institute Students Raise $914 For Family Resource Center During Car Wash

ST. THOMAS — On Saturday, June 27, participants of the 2015 Entrepreneur Business Institute (EBI) dedicated their time, energy and entrepreneurial expertise towards the operation of their own “Car Wash for a Cause” business, sponsored by International Capital and Management Company (ICMC) and The University of Virgin Islands’ School of Business.

The car wash business was the main feature of the program’s traditional Day of Service, where this year’s EBI participants raised funds in support of the Family Resource Center.

“As a company that prides itself in community engagement, we feel that it is imperative that each EBI class learn the importance of giving back and being a good corporate citizen,” said ICMC President, Cornel Williams.

With towels and sponges in hand, the group successfully raised $914 for the five hour-long event, with all proceeds going towards the in-need community program.

“It was certainly a sight to see as the students pulled up their sleeves and embraced the challenge wholeheartedly as they came together to put brain power and sweat equity for the good of others,” Karen Nelson-Hughes, ICMC Director of Community Relations added.

Entrepreneur Business Institute Students at Saturday’s car wash.

The Family Resource Center is a nonprofit organization based on St. Thomas that provides free services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. They serve their clients by providing financial assistance, temporary and permanent housing and ancillary education.

Recently, however, the center has been experiencing some financial challenges; making the timing of EBI’s “Car Wash for a Cause” even more opportune.

“The Family Resource Center is an important local program that we felt needed our help at this very crucial time, based on their current financial challenges and also considering their offered services that are so very vital, not only to their clients, but to the entire VI community as a whole,” Hughes explained.

EBI is a FREE summer program that exposes 30 participants to entrepreneurial, leadership and business skills each year, while giving them a preview of college life on the University of the Virgin Islands campus on St. Thomas.

“As we continue to develop the program, our hope is that we are able to impact more young people with the message of empowerment, self-sufficiency and business acumen,” Williams said. “This serves as a key contribution, not only to affect change in the lives of each program participant, but also in the Virgin Islands economic landscape as a whole.”

The fundraiser was sponsored by International Capital & Management Company and Chi-Co’s Distributing. For more information contact Karen Nelson-Hughes at (340) 777-1302 or at [email protected].