Island Girl
Shining a Spotlight on the Good
Today we are stepping away from the negative and hoping to shine a light on the positive people that making a difference in our community.
Scott and I are excited to promote a new awards program being brought to the US Virgin Islands by Southland Gaming. The program is called Southland Gaming of the VI Community Award Program.
Shaine Gaspard of Southland Gaming explained to us why they created this awards program:
“Virgin Islanders from every community make positive impacts every day without expecting a ‘thank you’. However, respectfully, we believe these good people should be recognized. So we are reaching out to the heart of the community and asking them to nominate those people. This is truly an award program for recent successes and accomplishments by individuals and ongoing community programs.”
These successes and accomplishments can be found in many areas - sports, recreation, music, education, environment, social change, early childhood, youth mentoring…the list is endless.
We’re looking for the people that have been working quietly in the background…perhaps paying out of pocket to make sure schools have enough supplies. Sacrificing their own time in order to spend time with youths to try and drive them away from gang involvement. Teachers who stay after hours to help students who might be falling behind. Coaches who buy equipment and drive the players to/from games to keep them involved. People who volunteer to help feed and clothe the homeless. Good, honest people.
Have someone in mind who fits the bill? It’s time to recognize them and the positive person they are. And here’s how we plan to do that.
Southland Gaming has dedicated $25,000 to honor those who are making our community better. This amount will be broken down into 25 $1000 prizes for any individual or organization. All Virgin Island residents can nominate any person or association for a chance at a prize.
Yes, you are allowed to nominate yourself or your own group 
The following link will take you to an application. This application needs to be completely filled out:
SGVI Community Award Application
Once filled out the application can be emailed ( awards@sgvi.com ), faxed ( 340.776.4185) or mailed:
Awards
Southland Gaming
1003 Estate Ross
St. Thomas VI 00802
The Awards program will announce one $1000 winner every two weeks! Many eyes are focused on our island at the moment; this is as good a time as any to show them some examples of the great people that live here. That want the best for our kids. The selfless people who are happy to dedicate their time and energy and want nothing in return. It’s time to learn their names, see their faces and thank them for what they’re doing.
The St. Thomas Blog will be posting a story on each of the winners and detailing their positive contributions to the USVI. Personally I’m excited to meet these individuals and I’m anticipating a good response to this program! Hopefully, as you read this, you are feeling the same way!
Thank you Southland for creating this great program. I look forward to watching this $25,000 go to deserving individuals. C’mon people – it’s time to step up and give us some names!
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Big Kahuna
