The University of the Virgin Islands’ (UVI) annual fundraising event, Afternoon on the Green, is back 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, takes place on Sunday, March 17, 2024, from noon to 5 p.m. with the theme “A Fusion of Flavors to Savor and Explore at Afternoon on the Green 2024”.
Afternoon on the Green is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to get involved in improving the lives of students,” said Dr. Kyza A. Callwood, who chairs the event planning committee. “We greatly appreciate the generosity of sponsors, volunteers, cooks, and many community members who help make the event a huge success.”
The Edward Thomas Volunteer Scholarship fund was created in honor of local businessman and Chairman of the UVI Research & Technology Park Board, Edward Thomas, Sr. 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.
Restaurants, caterers, professional chefs and home cooks are invited to donate their specialty dishes, desserts and native drinks. Prizes will be awarded to the overall top vote getter as well as the top one in each category: Main Dishes, Seafood, Vegetarian Dishes, Soups, Side Dishes, Bread, Pastries/Sweets and Native Drinks. The overall winner will receive VIYA’s portable MiFi device and one year of service. There will be other prizes, and all cooks will receive an Afternoon on the Green apron. The deadline for cook registration is March 13. 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.
Everyone in attendance will enjoy live musical entertainment by RVP Band and Shaw HP, cultural and educational displays; and an abundance of family-friendly activities from face painting and Carnival costume-making to traditional games and sports. New this year is a best dressed and best hat competition. “We can't wait to welcome everyone, and don’t forget it’s St. Patrick’s Day, so be sure to wear your green,” said Dr. Callwood.
Event sponsors include VIYA, VI Council on the Arts, First Bank, Haughland VI, VI National Guard, Community Foundation of the VI, WTJX, BVI Tourist Board, VI Department of Health, Tradewinds Chiropractic, Paradise Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Custom Builders, West Indies Company/ Bellows International and Charles Electrical Services.
To register as a cook, volunteer or to sign up for the best dressed and hat competition, visit aog.uvi.edu or call (340) 693-1047. Please note as this is a fundraising event, no vending is allowed.
For more information, visit aog.uvi.edu.