LIHU‘E — Glenn Evans, co-owner of Times Big Save supermarkets, was joined by Royden Yamamoto, Kaua‘i district manager for Times Big Save, in distributing $12,000 to several Kaua‘i organizations during Evans’ visit to the Kaua‘i supermarkets. “This is a tie-in
LIHU‘E — Glenn Evans, co-owner of Times Big Save supermarkets, was joined by Royden Yamamoto, Kaua‘i district manager for Times Big Save, in distributing $12,000 to several Kaua‘i organizations during Evans’ visit to the Kaua‘i supermarkets.
“This is a tie-in with the locally-grown programs,” Evans said. “It’s only appropriate that funds raised locally go back to the community.”
Organizations who were beneficiaries of the proceeds included the Lihu‘e Pop Warner Association, the Kekaha Pop Warner Association, the Koloa Pop Warner Association, the Kaua‘i High School Athletic Boosters and the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau.
Melissa McFerrin, the Kaua‘i Farm Bureau executive administrator and event coordinator, said the beneficiary organizations participated in this program at the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau Fair in August.
“Times Big Save approached us with the idea to generate additional funds for nonprofit organizations in the community,” McFerrin said. “This approach has raised funds in other communities where Times does business and they thought it could help us here on Kaua‘i.”
Royden Yamamoto, the Kaua‘i District Manager for Times Big Save, coordinated the logistics, explaining the program grew out of the original idea of getting samples of the Sterling Silver meat products to the people.
McFerrin said all of the local food booths at the fair are operated by nonprofit organizations, and this program only enhances the earnings by participating organizations.
“Time Big Save, a title sponsor of the farm fair, would organize the menu, but all of the proceeds, following costs deductions, would be donated back to the participating nonprofts,” McFerrin said. “Volunteers were offered the opportunity to man the booth in exchange for a share of the proceeds.”
During the four-day run of the fair, Times Big Save featured a different plate lunch dinner on each day, each menu featuring a combination of Kaua‘i Grown products coupled with some of the Times Big Save best sellers, including the well-known steak plate.
Tara Fernandez, president of the Koloa Redskins Pop Warner program, said the funds are a welcome addition to the groups’ fundraising efforts.
“There is so much to do and everything costs money,” Fernandez said.
Jerry Ornellas, president of the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau, said the gesture not only improves the health of the community, it’s an investment in our young people.
“We’re not just supporting farmers,” Ornellas said. “We’re supporting the health of the community through this initiative. This is a great way to showcase a few of our Kaua‘i Grown products while at the same time, supporting our local sports organizations promoting active youth.”
Times Big Save is a retail member of the Kaua‘i Grown program, and coinciding with Evans’ visit, has a few of the new signage touting the Kaua‘i Grown label.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
