VI Cancer Society President Ms. Gloria Fahie encourages everyone to support their event on Friday 24, 2014. Photo: VINO/File

The event will be held at the Governor's house and tickets are only $30. Photo: Provided

This knowledge, while painful, is propelling the executive and general membership of the VI Cancer Society to put beyond 100% of their commitment to help persons in need by raising funds to assist in off-setting medical and other related bills.

Come Friday January 24, 2014, there will be one of the most unique activity ever to be hosted in the Territory, VI Cancer Society Grand Masquerade Gala – a night to remember.

His Excellency, The Governor William B. McCleary and Mrs. McCleary and the Virgin Islands Cancer Society have collaborated to make this a signature activity to raise funds for the society, “It’s a first time event, it’s for a very serious cause and we want everyone to come out and support us because the extent of cancer in our little islands is very prevalent and people are beginning to get more comfortable in coming forward to seek support and help,” said President of the VI Cancer Society, Ms. Gloria Fahie.

Themed to reflect the fun of a Caribbean Festival with dancing, prizes, and more, the fund raising evening promises to be a memorable and worthy way to spend a Friday night out at the Governor’s house.

“In terms of support in organizing this activity, I cannot find words enough to say thanks to the Governor and his wife because without hesitation they came on board with us for this, businesses are responding very well with assisting us with really great prizes for this activity and so its left for the people to get their tickets and come out and lets have a good time for a serious cause.”

Ticket includes drinks and canapés and entertainment by BVI Heritage Dancers, Intrigue Dancers, Ananzi Dancers, and the St Georges Church Dancers, for a great value night out and all for a priceless cause. “We have made the price very affordable because we want person to come out in their numbers $30 per person is nothing in comparison to the good will that it will be going to,” added Ms. Fahie.

The President said that activities of this and other nature will be continuing throughout the year as they intend to have a presence on every island that makes up the VI. Target next is Virgin Gorda where another activity will be held next month.

Today, January 18, 2014, Dive BVI’s Casey McKay McNutt is spearheading a cycling event specifically to raise funds to be donated 100% to the VI Cancer society. “We are going to be doing things like putting cash pans at almost every business; every school because we believe even the bit of a young child can go a very far way.”

This will be called the dollar drive and is expected to be put into reality very soon. “Could you envisage what can happen if every person in the BVI put a dollar, just one dollar in a pan for the society, can you see what can happen?”

Parallel with fund raising initiatives, the society is also strategizing to collaborate with the Health Sectors of the VI to develop a data base in order to effectively determine the prevalence and needs of cancer affected persons.