Bowman gives $15,000 to Lihu’e Pop Warner

LIHU’E — Larry Bowman of Falko Partners at Valley House made the Lihu’e Pop Warner Association extremely happy on Friday by handing them a $15,000 check.

“There’s nothing better than kids and football and just to be able to help them with this check is the least I can do,” Bowman said.

The California native, who is a frequent visitor to Kaua’i was joined by Falko General Manager Shawn Smith, who is also a big fan of youth sports.

“I think it’s great that I work for guy that is so generous and gives back to the community like he does,” Smith, the former Kaua’i Police Officer said.

Lihu’e Pop Warner Midgets head coach John Takamura was also pleased about Bowman’s kindness.

“That’s just awesome, we need more people like him in this community,” Takamura said.

Mel Rapozo, a man of many hats, and the Lihu’e Pop Warner Association president encouraged both Bowman and Smith to check out the 2005 Pop Warner season to see how the contribution is working out.

“It’s all for the kids and we’ll get them new uniforms, helmets, and other things as well; it’ll just make them feel really good that someone really confides in them,” Rapozo said.

So how did this all come about? Well, The Garden Island had a hand in that.

You see, Bowman, a frequent reader, read a story about the Lihu’e Pop Warner Association and it’s spring festival, which was held last weekend.

“Lots of people need help and I can’t be more pleased about giving to kids, who need the help,” Bowman said.

Bowman, who recently retired, was also attracted the fact that the Lihu’e Pop Warner Association will start drug testing all volunteers in the organization. “It’s all about kids, football, and staying off drugs,” Bowman said.