Relay for Life Update

Just an update on the Relay for Life mess. American Cancer Society called and said $1450 was turned in by checks and $300 cash. Making a total contribution from UVI of $3971. We had four teams of 15 walkers, each walker was supposed to raise a minimum of $100 so there should have been a minimum of $6000 turned in. But I know some of us turned in more than the minimum so the total should have been even more. Not sure what will happen from here but UVI administrators know the numbers so it's up to them if any further action will be taken.

I've heard from some of the people that sent me donations and their checks have cleared so at least we know that ACS really got the money. They asked if I was going to be participating this year and I told them no, not after all this. They said that maybe we just needed a different chair person and suggested I take that role. But I told her that after all that happened I needed to just sit back and let things cool off. I know its a great cause and they put together a really nice fund raiser, so I'm disappointed that I won't be involved. Maybe next year.

Relay for Life Update

Ok, I got a call this morning from the American Cancer Society and they informed me that our chairperson did stop by yesterday and turned in some donation money. They are going to balance it this morning and let me know if the full amount was turned in or not. She is concerned about the checks being almost a year old and is not sure if they will be honored. She said she would check with their bank this morning and see what the rules are for that. I've heard back from most of the people that sent me donations and they said the checks are still good on their end, so if the bank honors them, they'll be clearing soon.

So I guess the meeting with the President last week finally got the point across that this had to be taken care of NOW.

Relay for Life

I have to apologize to all people that sent me donations last year for the Relay for Life fundraiser. The UVI chairperson has still not sent in the donations to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and I have done everything I can to try and make her turn them in. I have called, emailed, stopped by in person and my supervisor has done the same, and still nothing. We have contacted the ACS as well as the president of UVI and still nothing. It's a real shame. ACS is very disappointed that so much money was raised that never made it to the cause. I alone raised around $600, but who knows how much the university raised since it was never turned in and the person that has all the donation sheets aren't turning them over. So, those of you that wrote checks and they haven't cleared, they probably never will. At this point the checks are almost a year old, so technically they shouldn't be allowed to be cashed even if they were turned in. I've tried getting the checks back from the chairperson so that there wasn't any chance of her cashing them, but I can't even get her to do that.

This whole thing, in my opinion, has put a black cloud over UVI and their reputation. If they allow this person to ever be in charge of a fund raiser again then they're crazy. It's also put a black cloud over me as far as my fund raising capabilities. Who in their right mind would ever send me a donation for anything I participate in when the last check they sent was never cashed and never given to the cause they were supporting. I always participate in some kind of event every year and do a great job of fund raising, but those days are over.

So my apologies to all of you that the ACS never saw your money, you couldn't turn it in as a charitable contribution on your taxes, and the hassle of balancing your check book for the past year with an outstanding check. Sorry. :-(

Relay for Life

Here is the article in the UVI Campus paper along with a video of pics and a link to a YouTube video of the Karaoke contest.

UVI has Strong Showing for Relay for Life
More than 50 UVI employees, their families and friends participated in UVI's effort for the 2008 Relay for Life. Held on June 21 and 22 on the Charlotte Amalie High School track, the American Cancer Society fund-raiser has become a major community event. UVI's theme was "Pirates of the Cure-ibbean" and members of the UVI teams wore pirate-inspired gear such as bandanas, eye patches, and bracelets. Inez Bartlette and Curtis Gilpin were co-captains for the UVI effort. Bartlette said she was pleased with the support from the UVI community and thanked everyone for their hard work and participation. She called UVI's participation in the event "a huge success" and has asked the UVI community to start gathering their ideas for the 2009 Relay for Life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPYy4Kt5xww

Relay for Life

Relay for Life, originally uploaded by captainjay.

Well today is the day for Relay for Life event. We are here decorating our tents. Since UVI's mascot is the Buccaneers, our theme is Pirates of the Cure...ibbean, a little corny but cute. Thanks to everyone for the donations. I raised over $600! I'll take more pics later this afternoon once the activities kick off.

Relay for Life Update

Well, it doesn't look like ACS is going to get the St. Thomas event online tools up and running anytime soon. They got the event listed, but not the ability to donate online. So, If you are interested in sponsoring me for the walk (pretty please) and donating to a worthy cause, send me an email and I will send you the mailing address to mail a check. I can then mail you a receipt for tax deduction purposes. They have been doing this walk for years and have raised lots of money for ACS that stays here in the VI. But, it really surprises me that they've never checked into getting the online tools made available which would help the fund raising abilities tremendously. I guess next year I will have to get more involved and maybe be on the committee to oversee the online activities.

Thanks for your support.

Deb

deb.usvi@gmail.com

BTW - I guess I should have mentioned that the walk is June 21, so that doesn't leave much time. So open your hearts and your checkbooks, but quickly :-)

Relay for Life

Well I just signed up to walk with the UVI team for the Relay for Life American Cancer Society fund raiser. http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/

Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of your American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.

Your gift will make a difference in the fight against cancer. Every dollar you provide to the American Cancer Society goes towards eliminating cancer as a major health concern. The money raised is central to supporting our mission, which aims to fight cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. Together, we share a hope for a tomorrow free of cancer.

I'm hoping the event will be set up on line soon so that I can start taking donations (hint, hint). In the meantime, if you would like to make a donation, let me know and I will give you a mailing address. This is a great cause and your donations will be greatly appreciated.

Deb