Fundraiser Event Collects Over $150,000 In Donations For USVI Cancer Patients

ST. THOMAS — International Capital & Management (ICMC) and Cancer Support VI (CSVI) hosted their 12th annual fundraiser, with the theme “Great Gatsby and Share the Love”. The event was held at the ICMC terrace at 1A Kongens Gade.

CSVI Director Charlene Kehoe reported that the event raised over $150,000 for the cancer fund, which is managed by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI). Funds are used to help cancer patients and their families in the USVI, according to the release.

“With the closing of the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute and the suspension of services by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the funds are needed now more than ever,” Ms. Kehoe said. “Albeit, ACS has promised a grant to CSVI to provide additional assistance.”

The event, an elegant affair, saw wine, champagne and Scotch tastings, which were provided by Bellows International as a donation to CSVI. Catering was provided by Dean’s Catering and desserts by Suga Mamas. Louis Taylor performed 1920’s piano music and the guests were entertained by Songstresses Melita Etienne and Carla Scott – accompanied by a trio of dancers. Deejays Steve Lechowicz and Amar Belani had the guests dancing throughout the evening.

Over 200 guests attended, many wearing elegant and glitzy 1920’s flapper attire. The scene was reminiscent of a 1920 cabaret.

In the past 12 years the ICMC -CFVI Cancer fund has provided financial assistance to over 2200 cancer patients totaling over $1.7 million, according to the release. In just the last two years the fund has provided over $680,000 in patient grants.

The event was wholly underwritten by ICMC and a donation of $200,000 made by the Stephenson Family. One hundred percent of the funds raised go directly to cancer patients, according to the release. Ms. Kehoe shared the plight of three new uninsured patients the fund is currently helping, including a man with advanced skin cancer and a patient with multiple Myeloma.

Another, a teen-aged girl with ovarian cancer is being helped. Thanks to donors such as Pash Daswani and the India Association, the fund will be able to provide more assistance to her family, according to the release.

The event featured many live and silent auction items. The release also recognized a team of individuals it said worked diligently to make the event successful, and to procure numerous auction items. They include Barb Michaud, Karen Nelson- Hughes and Elaine Francis. “The out pouring of love and generosity from the St. Thomas community was overwhelming,” stated the release.

If you are a cancer patient or know a cancer patient who needs assistance you may call Charlene Kehoe at ICMC at 340-715-5806.