AFUWI FUNDRAISING RADIOTHON SET FOR OCTOBER 25, 2008

NEW YORK (JIS) – The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) is again calling on you for help in meeting a part of its core obligation, providing scholarships and bursaries to students across the Caribbean region.

In an effort to better meet those obligations, AFUWI will stage its 5th fundraising Radiothon on Saturday, October 25, 2008, all day, from 9:00 am thru’ 9:00 pm.

Last year, the event which was held over two days, raised a modest $20,000.00 and according to the Foundation’s Executive Director, Ann-Marie Grant, the effort was able to contribute to the portfolio of 20 scholarships awarded to students this academic year.

‘These scholarships go a long way in shaping the destiny of many, as without them, several students would not be able to have access to a college education, and then go on to make positive contributions to the societies in which they live . AFUWI truly appreciates the donations received, and asks the public to continue to support this very worthy cause. No contribution is too small”, Ms. Grant noted.

Persons wishing to make a contribution will be able to call – toll free- into one of several radio programmes throughout the Tri-State area (NY/NJ/CT) to make a pledge. The established pledge lines are; 1-800-437-0448 and 1-800-440-6785.

At a launch reception hosted by Black Entertainment Television (BET) and the mega PR agency Ruder Finn at the offices of Ruder Finn in Manhattan on Friday, October 10, 2008, Dr. Slinger Francisco – The Mighty Sparrow – an honourary guest of the University, highlighted the importance of education in the lives of the youth of the Caribbean region.

‘Sparrow’, Doug E. Fresh and ‘Gyptian’ are all lending their ‘star power’ to the radiothon event this year which will be supported by radio programmes in Georgia and Florida as well.

With main campuses in Jamaica (Mona), Barbados (Cave Hill) and Trinidad & Tobago (St. Augustine), and the newly established Open Campus sites in the other 12 islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, The Bahamas, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, the Foundation will use the proceeds to benefit a number of scholars and help them realize their dream of a tertiary level education. See www.afuwi.org

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Contact:

Aubrey L. Campbell

JIS/NY.

Tel: 212-935-7506,