St. Thomas Oktoberfest draws hundreds to aid job training and abuse survivors

ST. THOMAS: Hundreds gathered Saturday at the Donoe campus of My Brother's Workshop for an Oktoberfest celebration that combined traditional German cuisine, entertainment and competitions to benefit two island nonprofits.

The event raised funds for My Brother's Workshop, which offers job training and job placement services to at-risk youth, and the Family Resource Center, which assists victims of domestic violence. The organisations split revenue from food and drink sales, while all proceeds from a 50-50 raffle went to the Family Resource Center.

Volunteer Cristina Sadlik, who has German heritage, took the lead in planning the event to capture an authentic Oktoberfest atmosphere. She arranged for bratwursts to be shipped from the mainland and prepared traditional dishes including schweinebraten, kartoffelsalat and spatzle, alongside vegetarian alternatives. Communal dining tables filled the campus, and local businesses including Cost-U-Less, Fruit Bowl, St. John Brewery, Leatherback Brewery and Caribbean Packaging contributed to the fundraiser.

A pie-eating contest drew particular attention. Attorney Carl Williams, entered into the competition at the last moment, consumed apple pie rapidly over 15 minutes and won a $150 adventure gift certificate. "Support MBW. It's a wonderful organization. I'm just thrilled with the kind, kind work and outreach to the community," Williams said of his participation.

Families in traditional German dress competed for prizes. Jack Cayes won an award after holding a full beer stein at arm's length longer than other contestants, while his wife Kerrin and daughter Abigail wore dirndls.

Live performances came from Tim West Band and Drew Rock Band, with the Virgin Islands Montessori School also taking the stage earlier in the day.

Anya Stuart, who leads the Family Resource Center, noted that event participation had dropped following COVID-19 but remains vital to the organisation's work. The center provides free services to people escaping abuse, and fundraising helps cover operating shortfalls and emergency assistance. Stuart has directed the center for 25 years after herself leaving an abusive relationship with help from the former Women's Resource Center.

Chrystie Payne, program director at My Brother's Workshop, described the partnership as natural given the organisations' overlapping client base and shared goals. "Our community needs more events like this where we can get together for a cause and just build a stronger, safer community," Payne said.