The University of the Virgin Islands’ (UVI) annual fundraiser event, Afternoon on the Green, is back on site at the Herman E. Moore Golf Course on St. Thomas and inviting the island’s talented cooks to donate their best dishes for a great cause. The event, which benefits the Edward Thomas Volunteer Scholarship Fund, has been a community favorite for more than 30 years combining great food, live entertainment, and family fun to support scholarships for deserving students. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, March 19, 2023, from noon to 5 p.m. with the theme “A Burst of Culture, Fun & Cuisine at Afternoon on the Green 2023”. Cooks can now register online at aog.uvi.edu. 

“Volunteerism is at the heart of Afternoon on the Green,” said Dr. Kyza A. Callwood, who chairs the event planning committee. “We greatly appreciate the generosity of sponsors, volunteers, cooks, members of the event committee, and many other members of the community who help make the event a huge success. The event is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to improve the lives of students because all proceeds benefit scholarships.” 

The Edward Thomas Volunteer Scholarship fund was created in honor of local businessman and Chairman of the UVI Research & Technology Park Board, Edward Thomas, to aid students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service. Each year, two St. Thomas high school seniors are awarded scholarships to attend UVI to study in the field of their choice.  

Restaurants as well as caterers, professional chefs and home cooks are all invited to donate their specialty dishes, desserts and native drinks that attendees can purchase and vote on. Prizes will be awarded to the overall top vote getter as well as the top three in each category: Main Dishes, Seafood, Vegetarian Dishes, Soups, Side Dishes, Bread, Pastries/Sweets and Native Drinks. The overall winner will receive a free phone and one year of cell service compliments of VIYA. There will be a variety of other prizes and all cooks will receive a reusable Afternoon on the Green shopping tote. The deadline for cook registration is March 14. 

Community members wishing to contribute in other ways, can sign up as food servers (health card required) or attend the event to support the cause. Students attending public, private and parochial schools interested in earning community service credit, can also participate and should inquire with their school counselor for details. 

Everyone in attendance will enjoy live entertainment by Cool Session Brass, Shaw HP, DJ General Kuntry and more; cultural displays and dance performances; and an abundance of family-friendly activities from face painting and Carnival costume-making to traditional games and sports. “We can't wait to welcome everyone back to the green for an afternoon of cultural celebration, delicious food, exciting entertainment, and camaraderie after a break from in-person activities due to the pandemic.” said Dr. Callwood. 

Event sponsors include Custom Builders, USVI Department of Tourism, VI Council on the Arts, VIYA, First Bank, VI Lottery, Office of Gun Violence Prevention, VI National Guard, Economic Development Authority, Community Foundation of the VI and Southland Gaming. 

To register as a cook or volunteer, visit aog.uvi.edu or call (340) 693-1047. 

For more information about Afternoon on the Green, visit aog.uvi.edu.