LIHU‘E — The annual partnership between The Garden Island and The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation is kicking off and celebrating its 32nd year.
For the past 27 years, the Zonta Club and The Garden Island have teamed up to raise funds for people in our community who need support through various nonprofit agencies. This has resulted in donations from members of the community and friends of Kauai.
With the help of nonprofit agencies providing stories of families and individuals that could use help during the holiday season, almost 500 keiki and kupuna had a brighter Christmas through the support of our community and friends of Kauai.
Zonta Club Chair Cyndi Ayonon, Co-chair Marge Akana and Honorary Chair Yoshiko “Dimples” Kano have teamed up this year to bring Christmas joy and smiles to many in need, especially with the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kano, who is 96 years old, is fondly known for her leadership in the Zonta Club. Akana is a longtime member and leader of the Zonta Club. Ayonon is the newest member and has stepped up to lead this project.
As the economy has spiraled, we know there are those who have difficulty providing the bare essentials so this will help to give them a holiday surprise for themselves. All monetary donations will go toward needy families on the island.
Please stay tuned to The Garden Island to read the stories submitted by those seeking support.
Here’s how it works: Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share daily, front page stories about families (we don’t use their real names) facing challenges and who would appreciate a little help.
Donations are used by Zonta Club members to purchase gift certificates that are in turn distributed to families and individuals through social service agencies.
Each donation is accounted for and recorded. There are no administrative costs involved and the money goes directly to provide for those who need them for Christmas presents and groceries.
Anyone making a donation of $200 or more can have their picture published in The Garden Island.
Donations may be made by way of the Zonta Club website at www.Zonta-Kauai.org or checks can be made out to the Zonta Club and sent to The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation, P.O. Box 3032, Lihu‘e, HI 96766.
The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i was founded on April 1, 1952. In the 1980s, it added The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation (a nonprofit for fundraising). All Zonta Club members are a member of Zonta International, which is active in 63 countries with over 30,000 members worldwide.
The mission is to empower women through service and advocacy. Zonta International has been in existence for more than 100 years.
