The Make It Happen Foundation will host its inaugural T-Off-4 Tuition Golf Benefit, a two-day fundraising event to support Virgin Islands high school students pursuing higher education and vocational certifications.
The event kicks off with a cocktail party on Saturday, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Carambola Golf Club, followed by a Golf Tournament on Sunday, beginning at 9 a.m. The cocktail party is open to the public.
“We are thrilled to bring the community together for this exciting event, where every swing of the golf club and every raffle ticket purchased directly supports Virgin Islands students in achieving their educational and career goals,” said Nykole Tyson, board chair of the Make It Happen Foundation. “The generosity of our sponsors and participants will have a lasting impact, providing critical financial resources that help students succeed,” she said.
The idea for the fundraiser began last spring when a University of the Virgin Islands student faced unexpected financial challenges midterm. Realizing that others might experience similar setbacks, Tyson envisioned an event to provide emergency financial support. With encouragement from Bruce Claridge, manager of Cost U Less, the idea quickly became a reality. Tyson explained that the funding will not only support college expenses but also trade certifications.
“I realized that some may not want to go to college. There are still needs, and they can make a great living in the trade profession. I wanted to be able to assist students in defining their career track specifically in the trade field,” she said.
Cocktail party tickets are $50 and include one drink ticket, light refreshments, live entertainment, and entry into a raffle for prizes such as a 65-inch TV, dinner, or jewelry gift certificates. Golf Tournament registration is $175 per player and includes an embroidered golf shirt, swag bag, breakfast snacks, lunch buffet, and entry into the raffle for a generator.
Proceeds will fund scholarships for students pursuing both college degrees and vocational certifications. Various sponsorship packages are also available, giving businesses and individuals an opportunity to support students while gaining visibility. Sponsorship details and ticket purchases are available at makeithappenfoundation.org under the events section.
The Make It Happen Foundation, formed in 2023 and officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) in May 2025, is dedicated to youth mentorship and empowerment, a mission Tyson has personally championed since 2008. She also hosts a weekly radio show, I’m Making It Happen, on 103.5 FM, along with a television program that broadcasts on four networks across 19 countries and five Canadian provinces.
“I started on Facebook, and it branched out. I like to highlight individuals making it happen, and through those stories, it inspires viewers and listeners that they too can make it happen,” she said. Her commitment to service extends beyond youth; Tyson has also rescued and rehomed more than 30 dogs and counting. “All of us want the same thing, and I feel like if one of us hurts, all of us hurts in some way. If I can help one child who then helps another, that is my interest.”
After a family tragedy, Tyson returned to St. Croix for a brief visit and found comfort in the slower pace of island life. “After my brother was killed, I needed a break and came home for two weeks. I fell in love with St. Croix for the first time and appreciated the slower life. Just people acknowledging my presence and the food meant a lot,” she recalled.
Encouraged by her grandmother’s advice, “If you are willing to come home, come home. If you don’t like it you can always go back.” Tyson decided to settle on St. Croix. “I felt like, why can’t I make it happen in my own home, when people come here and make it happen? Why can’t I make it successful from where I am?” she said.
Sponsors of the event include Cost U Less, West Indies Company, Bellows International, Captain Morgan, High Noon, NT Media, I’m Making It Happen, Star Light Promotion, Deep End Restaurant, VI Lottery, NAPA, Office of the Governor, Public Finance Authority, Cane Bay Partners, J. Benton Construction, Bates Trucking, Trash Removal & Water Delivery, Jolly Rogers Tees, Department of Tourism, Reef Broadcasting Stations, WJKC, VI Regulated Waste Management, Vacation St. Croix, Antillean Engineering Inc., Alternative Real Estate, McChain Hamm & Associates, Carambola Golf Club.
For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase tickets, visit makeithappenfoundation.org or call 857-575-2865.
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