Over 2,600 students and staff members at the University of the Virgin Islands were negatively impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. On Wednesday, Feb. 21, Greenleaf VI II, Inc. donated a $65,000 matching to the UVI Rise Relief Fund Initiative, which was created shortly after the storms, to assist University students and employees with the recovery process.
At a check presentation ceremony on Wednesday, at the Great House on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, Greenleaf VI II, Inc. Owner Philip Arcidi presented a check for $65,000 to UVI President David Hall. Greenleaf VI II, Inc. is a member of the Economic Development Authority.
Arcidi is hopeful that his company’s kind donation to UVI will propel more businesses and individuals to play a role in the Virgin Islands by making monetary contributions to causes like the UVI Rise Relief Fund (UVIRRF).
“Myself and the Greenleaf VI family are so proud to be part of the UVI Rise Relief Fund. The UVI Rise will have a major impact on the future growth and stability of the territory,” said Arcidi. “We hope our gift will inspire others to join us in investing in the future of the Virgin Islands.”
“Our students, faculty, and staff have struggled along with other Virgin Islanders to get on their feet back on solid ground,” said UVI President David Hall. “Though dealing with the loss of homes and basic necessities, faculty still forged ahead to fulfill their mission to provide the highest quality education and students continued to move forward to achieve their dreams. With this donation more dreams can become a reality. We thank Mr. Arcidi for this generous gift.”
UVI Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Mitchell Neaves said the University is encouraged that it can reach its overall goal through the help of its corporate partners.
“No money can ever replace what was taken away by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. However, donations like Greenleaf’s ignite a sense of hope that UVI will rebuild and be stronger than it was before,” said Neaves. “Through the help of our donors and corporate partners we are confident we can reach our target and for that, we extend a warm thank you to Greenleaf VI II, Inc.”
More about UVI Rise Relief Fund
The goal of UVIRRF is to raise $900,000. Thousands of UVI students and staff members were impacted by these storms, and community support will help to bring normalcy back to the campus community. Text 2017IRMA to 71777 to support this effort. Your gift to the UVI Rise Relief Fund is 100 percent tax deductible. UVI is encouraging individuals and businesses who can to lend their support and aid in the recovery.
The University is a public, co-ed, land-grant Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the United States Virgin Islands. The institution offers 47 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its five colleges and schools and a Ph.D. in Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change.
The students and staff members at the University of the Virgin Islands are seeking your assistance in addressing immediate needs in the wake of Hurricane Irma and Maria. If you would like to contribute to our students and staff in this time of need, please see the link below to donate.
For more information or to become a fundraiser and donate visit: UVI Rise Relief Fund.