Groups hope to scare up donations from audiences

ST. CROIX - Two organizations will be scaring up funds for a number of non-profit organizations this coming weekend on either end of the island.

Ghosts, goblins, witches, pixies, pirates, mummies, cavemen, angels, Dracula and more will hit the streets to enjoy the holiday and support their favorite organizations.

Halloween Extravaganza

The Virgin Islands Community AIDS Resource and Education, Inc. is now its 19th year of holding its Halloween Extravaganza to support the programs that promote HIV and Aids awareness in the community.

Sandra Phaire, VICARE director, said the event is the biggest fundraiser for the group, and this year it is moving from its home location at the Palms at Pelican Cove.

"We are moving west this year, but we still expect to have a great time," she said.

The event will be at 8 p.m. at Sand Castles on the Beach in Frederiksted and will include a dollar raffle all night long, light refreshments and music.

Phaire said the biggest attraction of the night will be the best costume competition, which will feature cash prizes ranging from $100 to $300.

"We know people are really looking forward to this and are excited, so we are making sure that we reward them for being great sports, coming out and supporting the work we do at VICARE," she said.

"We have a standard of entertainment and prizes that our guests have grown accustomed to over the years, and this year's is not going to be any different," she said. "We are going to raise funds for our programs and clients and for the maintenance of our building, but we plan to have lots of fun doing it."

Tickets for the VICARE party are $25 in advance at $30 at the door. Phaire said people who purchase tickets at VICARE's Queen Street Office can buy four tickets and get one free. Other ticket outlets are My Girlfriend's Closet, Cottages By the Sea, Urban Threadz, Yam Yam and Polly's at the Pier.

Big Halloween Bash

Also happening on Saturday is the Big Halloween Bash at The Lyme, and proceeds will benefit the Gentlemen of Jones Christmas Lighting projects, the Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program and the American Youth Soccer Organization, which has a trip planned to compete in Dominica next month.

Denise Kainth, owner of The Lyme bar and lounge in La Grande Princesse, said the three organizations have continuously tried to make a difference in the community, and she believes that they can do much more with some financial support.

"These organizations have been around for years, and the work they do affects the entire community," she said. "We wanted to be a part of helping do more."

Kainth said the event includes a dynamic spooky atmosphere, drink specials, door prizes, raffles, and awards for best scary, sexy and original costumes with more than $1,000 in prizes all night long.

Kainth said this is the first year that they are having the Halloween Bash, but they already have sold hundreds of tickets and are looking forward to a fun-filled night.

"Its partying for three great causes," she said.

Tickets for the Halloween Bash at The Lyme are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. Ticket outlets are IHOP, Italia Marble and Granite, 47th Street Jewelry and The Lyme. Only persons with advanced tickets will qualify for special raffle prizes from some of the island's top retailers.

For information about the VICARE party, call 692-9111; for information about the party at The Lyme, call 778-2810.

- Contact Fiona Stokes at 714-9149 or email fstokes@dailynews.vi.

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