LIHU‘E — In 2009 there was “Woofstock,” followed a year later by “Waggon Tails.” This Saturday, the Kaua‘i Humane Society kicks off its next round of goofy, dog-centric named annual fundraisers with “Hawai‘i FID-O.” Based off the old cop show
LIHU‘E — In 2009 there was “Woofstock,” followed a year later by “Waggon Tails.”
This Saturday, the Kaua‘i Humane Society kicks off its next round of goofy, dog-centric named annual fundraisers with “Hawai‘i FID-O.”
Based off the old cop show of a similar name, the fundraiser and its organizers are taking the theme to the limits and beyond, with a YouTube spoof “Hawai‘i FID-O: The Slipper” and lots of advertising declaring “It’s time to refuse to remain silent and to exercise your right to tasty food, great entertainment and fun silent auction items all to help bail out and give justice to Kaua‘i’s animals.”
It begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club in Lihu‘e and features “the fabulous” Willie K and his band, memorabilia from “Hawai‘i Five-O” on auction and vegan and “meatatarian” dishes.
All whimsy aside, the event really is about helping Kaua‘i’s animals, said Elizabeth Freitas, the first vice president for the society’s board of directors.
“Not only do we try to save as many as we can, but we try to protect the human-animal bond,” Freitas said. “It’s actually our only fundraiser of the year, so it goes to benefit all (our) programs.”
Those include: spay and neuter; adoption; sheltering lost and homeless pets; animal cruelty and neglect investigations; roadkill pickup and disposal; dog licensing; pet microchipping; school outreach at the schools; Critter Camp; year-round dog-training classes; lost and found recovery for pets; hospital visits to cheer up patients; foster dog and cat programs; private pet boarding; mobile adoptions; animal advocacy.
The shelter also serves as an emergency evacuation site for people and animals, and shelters pets at no-cost for people staying at the YWCA until they find a home.
“We really are the one resource center on the island for animals that does it all,” Freitas said. “We need to continue to help everyone.”
A 501c3, the humane society is primarily funded through grants and donations. Additionally, the county provides about a quarter of its $2.2 million budget to pay for spay, neuter and animal control services, Freitas said.
Back to the party
The fundraiser, which has been held in its current format since the mid-1990s, is expected to provide food, music and a lot of auction items. Those include golf packages, stays at local resorts and many restaurant certificates.
Freitas was particularly excited about Willie K, who plays everything from Hawaiian music to opera.
“He puts on a show,” she said. “If you haven’t seen Willie K, you have to see Willie K.”
The event will also honor Bobby Ferreira and Ed Kawamura. Ferreira helped with some neglected horses, and Kawamura donated food and other supplies to care for the equines.
Tickets are still available and Freitas hopes the society will manage to sell out.
“It’s going to be a blast.”
Tickets cost $100 for individuals or you can sponsor a table of 10 at $5,000 and $1,500 levels.
To see the society’s YouTube spoof, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2CQ_MSYtII.
• Jessica Musicar, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or by e-mailing jmusicar@thegardenisland.com.
