NAWILIWILI — During tight economic times, everyone counts, said Steve Yannarell, chair of the 31st annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk. The 2009 version of the largest single-day fundraising event by a nonprofit organization in the state launched with a breakfast
NAWILIWILI — During tight economic times, everyone counts, said Steve Yannarell, chair of the 31st annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk.
The 2009 version of the largest single-day fundraising event by a nonprofit organization in the state launched with a breakfast kickoff for the walk’s leaders and regional recruiters at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club Monday morning.
“What a lot of people don’t realize is that funds raised during the walk stay right here to help Kaua‘i’s people and community,” Yannarell said.
During the 2008 walk, more than 1,400 walkers raised more than $200,000 that was distributed to more than 40 Kaua‘i nonprofits that contribute to the well-being of the island, he said.
Due to the economic situation, Yannarell said this year’s goal is the same as last year’s — 1,400 walkers and $200,000.
The tight economic situation is taking its toll on the island. The Hawai‘i Hotel and Lodging Association, the primary sponsor of the Visitor Industry Charity Walk, presented the Salvation Army with a $5,000 contribution at its 12th Annual Malama Awards, Thursday, after reading about the seating shortage at the Army’s Kokua Soup Kitchen in The Garden Island on Wednesday.
“The goal for this year is the same as last year’s,” Yannarell said. “Times are tough and if we meet last year’s numbers, that’s all we can expect.”
Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. and the walk begins promptly at 7 a.m. along a 2.9-mile course peppered with aid stations manned by community groups, businesses and visitor industry organizations.
“We want everybody to walk,” Yannarell said, noting there is a minimum pledge of $35 that includes an event T-shirt. “The Web site is up and running and we’re getting excited.”
Shar Ono, head of the Kaua‘i Community College nursing program, said she plans on having a group participate in this year’s event.
“We participate every year,” Ono said. “There are different ways the students get involved and this year we might even have some walkers.”
Additionally, Jolene Ogle of the HHLA, Kaua‘i Chapter, said there will be a bowling tournament this weekend that will have its proceeds benefiting this year’s walk.
“There are three or four lanes left for this year’s bowling event,” Yannarell said. “Last year, the bowling tournament helped raise about $12,000 from people having a lot of fun, and we invite people to come down to the Lihu‘e Bowling Center this Saturday evening and check it out.”
Yannarell said in addition to the Web site, the HHLA will be launching an advertising campaign soon.
The HHLA sponsored a charitable “Superwalk” to benefit one major charitable organization in 1974. That was the germ for the current Visitor Industry Charity Walk that since its expansion in 1978, has raised more than $20 million and helped hundreds of local charities within the state.
Last year, more than 9,500 walkers around the state raised more than $1.2 million that helped more than 190 local charities.
For more information, visit www.charitywalkhawaii.org.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com
