WAIMEA — Rotary Club of Poipu Beach hosted the annual Kids’ Christmas Party last weekend for about 80 children of Child and Family Services’ Nana’s House clients at the Waimea Theatre.
The party included a bento box breakfast, popcorn and a screening of the film “The Lion King.” The morning was topped off by a visit from Santa and a gift for each child.
Interact Club/Hui Kuleana students from Kauai High and Island schools assisted in advance to shop for and wrap gifts. Staff from Nana’s House also helped with the event.
Funding for the party was provided by donations from Rotary Club members in addition to a Rotary grant and the clubs’ annual fundraisers.
Rotary Club of Poipu Beach’s Mike Curtis led the project.
“We have been hosting this party for more than 10 years now,” he said. “It is one of our club’s favorite projects during the year. The delighted faces of the children and their comments warm our hearts.”
Club president Rick Golba commented, “At this holiday time we are especially thankful to the community for their support to enable us to do these projects and to give back. For some kids this is the only gift they receive.”
Other Rotary Club of Poipu Beach members who assisted with the event include Kristin Harp Hoshino, Dr. Craig Nishimoto, Ron Mabry, Ted Faigle, Bill Brown and Rodney Pascua. They were joined by Rotary eClub of Hawaii members Michael Carlsson and Jan Pascua. Rotary Club of West Kauai member Ray Paler and Michelle Hauser volunteered.
Faigle, Rotary assistant governor for Kauai, added, “This is a fine example of the way Rotary volunteers put together projects to serve the community. We always welcome new people who are interested in community service to consider Rotary membership in one of the five clubs on our island.”
Rotary Club of Poipu Beach has 30 members from business, nonprofits, education and retirement, who all share a drive to give back to the community.
