New Non-profit Organization Dedicated To Raising Funds for Island Schools

Luciah Hedrington of Energy Production and Paradiso general manager Ryan Holt at the restaurant where the new non-profit will host fund raisers. St. John Tradewinds News Photo Courtesy of Luciah Hedrington

 

When Julius E. Sprauve School alumna Luciah Hedrington returned to St. John, she saw her alma mater had needs that weren’t being met and decided to do something about it.

The 1995 JESS graduate, along with several other JESS alumni, recently formed the non-profit organization Energy Productions Incorporated, in order to raise funds for the school.

“JESS was our school and we wanted to just be able to give back to the school and give back to the community,” said Hedrington. “We met with the principal and found out what the needs were. Principal (Mario) Francis said they need some software programs, so we’ll start there.”

While JESS is first on Energy Productions’ list of fund raising recipients, the group will help other island schools as well. After helping JESS, Energy Productions will focus on Gifft Hill School, Hedrington explained.

GHS Next
“We’re going to go from one school to the next,” she said. “From JESS we are going to go to the Gifft Hill School. There are a lot of kids who have to drop out of that school because they can’t afford the tuition.”

“We want to raise money to offer additional scholarships and financial aid,” Hedrington continued.
Guy Benjamin School is also on the group’s list, she added.

Energy Productions is not wasting any time getting started. The organization’s first JESS fund raising event is scheduled for Friday night, December 7, at Paradiso at 10 p.m.

“We’re calling it Love City First Friday,” said Hedrington. “It’s going to definitely be an adult environment. It’s open to people 25 and over and there will be a dress code.”

Good Time for Good Cause
With disc jockey Avalanche and Icon Sounds spinning a mix of tunes and only a $10 cover charge, the group hopes to draw a crowd, Hedrington explained.

“There is going to be old school music and new school music,” she said. “We’re trying to pull the crowd of people who prefer to stay home. We want to get them out of the house to have a good time and support a good cause.”

The December 7 event is only the first for Energy Productions. The group plans to host Love City First Friday parties monthly.
“After we cover our costs all of the net proceeds will go to the group,” said Hedrington. “We really hope people come and out and support our schools.”