Two Island School alumni are giving back to their school. Luke Evslin and Keizo Gates, along with their partner, Kelly Foster and three anonymous philanthropists are donating an outrigger canoe to Island School’s annual gala auction, “Blue Planet.” Evslin, Gates
Two Island School alumni are giving back to their school. Luke Evslin and Keizo Gates, along with their partner, Kelly Foster and three anonymous philanthropists are donating an outrigger canoe to Island School’s annual gala auction, “Blue Planet.”
Evslin, Gates and Foster founded Kamanu Composites in 2007, a company that has already become the largest producer of outrigger canoes in Hawai‘i. The donated canoe is around 21 feet long with a beam of 16 inches and weighs approximately 22 pounds.
“The vision for the company was shaped while we were in high school,” Evslin said in a press release.
Evslin and Gates graduated from eighth grade at Island School and continued on to Kaua‘i High School where they met Foster and were active on the school paddling team. After graduating from high school the three went separate ways in pursuit of college degrees.
Evslin majored in business and economics at Claremont McKenna College in California. Gates attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, earning a degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. Foster earned degrees in both fire science and composite fabrication as well as immersing himself in paddling and canoe-building.
“Kamanu Composites is known for their commitment to producing outrigger canoes locally, their high standards of quality and for producing the Pueo,” Evslin said. “That’s why we think it makes an excellent item for Island School’s auction.”
This year’s auction marks Island School’s thirtieth auction, which is the school’s biggest fund raising event of the year.
“Funds raised from this event go toward financial aid, enabling more families to send their children to Island School” said Bob Springer, head of school. “It is heartening to see our former students contributing their time and talents to make donations to Island School.”
Island School’s auction “Blue Planet” is March 14 at the Kaua’i Marriott Resort and Beach Club. For reservations call, 246-0233.