Students from the Hospitality Programs Department at SUNY Broome have joined their talents in collaboration with Tioga Downs Casino to host a fundraiser for the University of the Virgin Islands’ Caribbean campuses located on the islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix, which were recently devastated by hurricanes Irma and Maria.
While we are saddened by this tragedy, we as a a community college are seeking to contribute to the support of the victims of this catastrophe not only in our community but around the world. UVI serves an economy built on the hospitality industry in the U.S. Virgin Islands through its Hospitality and Tourism Management Program. They are still trying to regain their footing after a destructive hurricane season that left them in tatters (You can see their program here.)
This is an applied learning and community service opportunity for our students as well as a charitable event. Faculty, students and Tioga Downs are donating considerable time and personal resources to the success of this fundraiser to aid students in the non-self-governing United States Caribbean Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands, while teaching students community service and event management.
The Great Gatsby-themed event will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, at Tioga Downs Casino Resort. Wear your best Roaring 20s garb! Ticket prices will be announced, and the cost will include hors d’ouevres stations and a cash bar; a silent auction will also be held.
We are asking you to consider joining us on this life changing journey to aid us in coming to the aid of others. All money raised will go directly to UVI Rise Relief Fund https://www.uvi.edu/. Any questions you might have concerning this event you may contact Assistant Professor Maria Montemagno at montemagnomk@sunybroome.edu.
“ We can’t help everyone but everyone can help someone” – Ronald Reagan
By Abigail Guillaume, Brittany Shaffer & Shafiiqa Theophile, students from the Hospitality Programs Department
