The University of the Virgin Islands’ Foundation for the Reichhold Center for the Arts will host the first “Show of Support Telethon” to celebrate the center’s 35th Anniversary. The telethon will feature a variety of local entertainment and more than 20 testimonials from long-time Reichhold Center fans and supporters. It will air on Fox and NBC several times beginning on Nov. 16, and will be repeated until January.
“As Reichhold celebrates its 35th birthday this telethon ensures that the center can continue to celebrate many more birthdays,” said Foundation for the Reichhold Center for the Arts Board member Felipe Ayala. “Your support ensures that the generous gift of Henry Reichhold and his family to expose future generations of Virgin Islanders to the arts will continue.”
The telethon will feature performances from Spectrum Band, the Rising Stars Steel Orchestra, the VI Philharmonic, Flights of Fire, the French Academy of Performing Arts and the Becca Darling Band. Long-time Reichhold Center supporters, Attorney Leigh Goldman and Deputy Commissioner of Tourism Chantal Figueroa will host the affair. “You will never see another event where you have all the top Virgin Islands acts in one show,” said Liza Margolis, UVI senior coordinator of Donor Relations and Special Events. “This is going to be a unique, entertaining and fun event, with a rich Virgin Islands history in a two-hour show.”
The telethon will air on Fox from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays beginning on Nov. 16, until Dec. 14. It will also air from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. Fox can be found on Innovative Cable on channel six on St. Thomas and channel nine on St. Croix. Fox can be found on Dish Network on channel 27. On NBC, the telethon will air from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, and from noon to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17. NBC can be found on Innovative Cable channel 11 on St. Thomas and St. Croix. It can also be found on channel 14 on Dish Network. The dates that the telethon will air in January will be announced later.
Foundation Board member Marian Prescod said the telethon will feature many shows in one seating. “You don’t have to go anywhere,” she said. “We will bring Reichhold Center to you. You will truly understand this priceless gem and how you can be a part of paying Reichhold forward for current and future generations of Virgin Islanders.”
During the telethon, the public is invited to make pledges by calling (340) 693-1043, donate at www.reichholdcenter.com or text to 228-GIVE. The telethon can also be seen on Reichhold Center’s YouTube channel. Donations can be made from Nov. 16, to Jan. 31, at any time, 24-hours a day.
“This is a new type of fundraiser for the foundation – a maiden voyage,” said UVI Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dionne Jackson. “We wanted to leverage technology while creating a simple, yet unique solicitation program that builds awareness and celebrates Henry Reichhold's gift to UVI in grand style.” Jackson continued, “ I, for one, cannot imagine life in our community without Reichhold Center for the Arts, so on its 35th birthday, I salute Reichhold and ask everyone to support the magnificent work being done at Reichhold Center to ensure that this glorious gift is preserved and continues to thrive for generations to come."
“I would like to challenge all lovers of the Virgin Islands to step-up to the plate, participate and experience the joyous programming as if they were live at the Reichhold,” Prescod said. “I also challenge all to contribute generously to keep this great resource available in the territory.”
“How fortunate our community is to have this amphitheater on our island,” said Ayala. “Where else in the world can you sit under the stars in a natural setting and enjoy first class entertainment? In the Virgin Islands we are so fortunate to have this and more. It is one of the many gifts bestowed on these islands for future generations to enjoy.”
The telethon is sponsored by CD Diagnostic Laboratory, Theodore Tunick and Company, VI Montessori School, Choice Wireless, Merchants Commercial Bank, Phoenix Visions Hair Designs, and V.I. Bridal and Tuxedo Center. For tickets to the Reichhold Center call the box office at (340) 693-1559 or go online to www.reichholdcenter.com. For more information about the telethon contact Liza Margolis at (340) 693-1053.