Famous motivational speaker and long-term partner of superstar Oprah Winfrey, Stedman Graham, helped to launch the seventh annual Cup Match ribbon sale.

Also sponsored by Capital G bank, the ribbon sale helps to raise funds for the The Family Centre, helping the charity help children and families.

The Centre's board chairman, Don McKenzie, said: "Cup Match Ribbons are sold Island-wide by our staff and volunteers and this creates an ideal opportunity for us to talk with people and hear their thoughts about community, family and the work that we do.

"We have found that we have been able to help many people with information that has lead to them becoming involved in solutions. So for us it is not justa 'fundraiser' but a 'friendraiser'."

President and CEO of Capital G, John Kephart encouraged all residents to donate to the cause and also announced that this year Capital G will be donating one cent of every dollar spent on either the Capital G credit or debit cards over the Cup Match holiday.

Mr. Graham, who hosts the Family Centre's annual charity golf tournament, said he was happy to be in Bermuda and to be a part of this event.

"Bermuda is a wonderful place and I love the way you maintain the spirit of cooperation, and I encourage you to continue this in the Cup Match Celebration," he said.

There will be 25,000 ribbons available for sale from July 1 at various locations Island-wide.

Businesses are asked to donate $2 while the general public is asked to donate generously.

"Last year we raised $35,000. This year we are hoping to make $40,000," said Family Centre Executive Director, Martha A. Dismont.