LIHU‘E — Just a few more days remain in the Kaua‘i United Way 2011 Campaign, and a handful of contributions are helping the campaign stay on course, said Lynette Medrano-Stine, the Kaua‘i United Way campaign and community services coordinator. During
LIHU‘E — Just a few more days remain in the Kaua‘i United Way 2011 Campaign, and a handful of contributions are helping the campaign stay on course, said Lynette Medrano-Stine, the Kaua‘i United Way campaign and community services coordinator.
During a presentation by Paul Endo representing First Hawaiian Bank last week, Medrano-Stine said with the contributions received, Kaua‘i United Way is at about 94 percent of its goal.
The annual Kaua‘i United Way Campaign offers people an easy way to make substantial contributions to benefit all of Kaua‘i, states the Kaua‘i United Way website. Donations go to support a wide variety of social services which benefit the entire island through its network of 28 participating agencies.
First Hawaiian Bank presented a check for $19,700 to Kaua‘i United Way. The donation establishes First Hawaiian Bank as the second-largest corporate sponsor of Kaua‘i United Way, states a news release.
“We are tremendously grateful First Hawaiian Bank has remained successful enough throughout the economic recession, from which we are finally emerging, to maintain a strong level of support for our entire community through Kaua‘i United Way,” Kaua‘i United Way Executive Director Scott Giarman said after accepting the contribution from Endo.
“This is a wise investment in our community which will translate into healthier and happier employees, wealthier customers and an overall better business environment. We deeply appreciate the efforts of Mike Murakoshi and Paul Endo for helping to make this important community award happen,” Giarman said.
Medrano-Stine said in addition to the corporate gift, employee contributions at First Hawaiian Bank increased 10 percent from the prior year.
“First Hawaiian Bank has an awesome campaign team which has stepped up to the plate and increased its giving 10 percent from last year, which makes them eligible for a pool pass for four at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa,” she said.
The Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) established itself as the top contributor to Kaua‘i United Way earlier last week, when a check for $23,631 was presented to Giarman, Medrano-Stine and Katherine Miyake, president of the Kaua‘i United Way board.
“The employees of KIUC have cemented themselves as the highest givers to Kaua‘i United Way once again,” Giarman said.
“Although by no means the largest employee group on the island, KIUC employees raised $23,631 in cash and payroll-deducted pledges for the campaign, an impressive 18 percent more than last year, when they were also the highest giving group,” he said.
KIUC employees also represent among the highest givers per capita of all employee groups on the island, states the news release.
“We are enormously grateful to the KIUC board, management and staff of the utility for the many ways it serves our island,” Giarman said. “There is absolutely no question in my mind these good people have the very best interest of the people of our island strong in their hearts.”
Among other contributors, Keoki’s Tropical Paradise in the Po‘ipu Shopping Village contributed $4,000 to Kaua‘i United Way during its recent anniversary celebration, with the check delivered by Kaua‘i United Way board member Kaua‘i Fire Chief Robert Westerman.
People interested in contributing can choose among several venues.
Oasis Restaurant on Thursday will offer a portion of proceeds from each meal served to Kaua‘i United Way’s 28 participating agencies. Reservations are available from 5 p.m. and can be made by calling 822-9332.
Macy’s at Kukui Grove Center in Lihu‘e will be the site for chair massages offered by students from the Professional Massage Therapy Program at Kaua‘i Community College. Massages will be available from 1:30 to 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Macy’s mall entrance for donations of any amount.
Visit www.kauaiunitedway.org, or call 245-2043 for more information, or to arrange for a contribution to the annual campaign.
