Yoshiko “Dimples” Kano, with more than 50 years of service to Zonta, was presented the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Spirit Award Sunday by the previous Spirit award holder Nikki Cristobal, surrounded by other members of the club, during a gathering at the home of club member Marge Akana.
Yoshiko “Dimples” Kano, with more than 50 years of service to Zonta, was presented the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Spirit Award Sunday by the previous Spirit award holder Nikki Cristobal, surrounded by other members of the club, during a gathering at the home of club member Marge Akana.
“Dimples was awarded the Spirit Award in recognition of her more than 50 years of service to Zonta, and for her recent recognition as the 2021 (Outstanding Female) Older American award from the county’s Agency on Elderly Affairs,” said fellow club member Edie Ignacio Neumiller in an email.
“Dimples has also kept up her attendance and participation in Zonta throughout the COVID-19 pandemic despite Zonta changing to an online platform. She never loses sight of what Zonta is about.”
Kano remains active with the club, and is credited with founding The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund that serves hundreds of families who would have otherwise not been able to enjoy the holiday festivities.
The Spirit Award and the Zonta sign that accompanies the award are unique to the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i, and meant to bring the Zonta presence into the community by being displayed and safeguarded at Zonta projects.
During the gathering, the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i also welcomed its newest member, Lynnell Woodward, a Realtor who wanted to join Zonta because of a passion for helping those in need, especially women.
The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i was established in 1952 with a commitment to serve the local community by partnering with other organizations to best provide needed resources and manpower as well as advocate for those in need, including women, children and families.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
