KAPA‘A — More than 100 walkers raised more than $22,000 Saturday during the Multiple Sclerosis “Afternoon Stroll” in Kapa‘a. “We still have one more event,” said Candice Schwalbach, the MS district manager, while tallying the number of walkers. Schwalbach was
KAPA‘A — More than 100 walkers raised more than $22,000 Saturday during the Multiple Sclerosis “Afternoon Stroll” in Kapa‘a.
“We still have one more event,” said Candice Schwalbach, the MS district manager, while tallying the number of walkers.
Schwalbach was also counting the proceeds generated by a silent auction and poker event taking place at Kapa‘a Beach Park.
The Brothers in Arms are hosting the first Ride for Charity next Sunday.
The ride is open to bikes, cars and trucks with funds benefiting the MS Walk.
Registration starts at 8:45 a.m. A $25 donation will earn the contributor lunch, shirt and a raffle ticket for the ride which will leave from and return to the Hanama‘ulu Beach Park. For more information, call Makaiwa at 754-6414.
According to a flier at the MS Walk, lunch, live music, raffle and silent auction will follow the ride with proceeds helping support Cynthia Edralin and her determination to find a cure for multiple sclerosis.
Leading up to the walk, Edralin had created a home-grown cookbook featuring local favorite dishes from her friends and family while also relating tales of people who have experienced MS. The proceeds will benefit the walk.
“This is one of the biggest walks yet,” said Katie Beer, who was helping Jaime Ariola of Duke’s at Kalapaki who was working with his crew. “We don’t have that many people who suffer from MS on Kaua‘i, but each year we get a few more.”
Caroline Frederiksen of Kalaheo Steak and Ribs came in with a nice contribution.
“I raised $1,450 in 24 hours,” Frederiksen said. “I took it to work and there was one customer who dropped in $500, noting he wants to see the picture in the paper.”
Schwalbach said helping the cause were sponsorships by Cost-U-Less, which contributed $1,000 and Tire Warehouse which, in addition to its ‘ohana of professionals including Sharron and George Weber walking, contributed $2,000.
Sandy Poehnelt of The Right Slice said she heard about the event earlier and was able to make the walk following her participation at the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau Garden Fair at Kaua‘i Community College.
Daniel Kawamura of M. Kawamura Farm Enterprise was in the same boat, attending the MS Walk following the Garden Fair.
He said his dad Ed was attending the Nissei film “Our Nobler Selves” at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center.
Kaua‘i County Council member Dickie Chang was on hand before making his exit to attend the fundraising event for the Filipino Cultural Center.
“The important thing is people came,” said Schwalbach, who made a trip to Kaua‘i for the event. “We appreciate all of the support.”
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
