PO‘IPU — “Are you taking apart the display?” Anne Guigron of Houston, Texas, wanted to know Monday in the lobby of the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort lobby in Po‘ipu. Annette Wong, the head of the Starwish Kaua‘i group representing associates of
PO‘IPU — “Are you taking apart the display?” Anne Guigron of Houston, Texas, wanted to know Monday in the lobby of the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort lobby in Po‘ipu.
Annette Wong, the head of the Starwish Kaua‘i group representing associates of the Starwood properties on Kaua‘i, said the display of nonperishable food was being taken apart and contributed to the Hawai‘i Foodbank, Kaua‘i Branch along with a check representing proceeds from the Sheraton Kaua‘i’s RumFire for the month of November.
“Wow! Did you see the amount on the check?” said Wes Perreira, the Hawai‘i Foodbank, Kaua‘i Branch warehouse supervisor. “I didn’t realize it was that big.”
June Capiello, the Starwood Kaua‘i spokesperson, said the November charity drive at Rumfire raised $4,490 in addition to the nonperishable food items contributed by Sheraton Kaua‘i associates and guests during the monthlong food drive.
Guigron, a guest at the Sheraton Kaua‘i, said it was important that people continue efforts to help those in need.
“I have been telling people for seven years, ‘You can’t find a job unless you’re clean,’” she said, explaining that as a writer, motivational speaker and dental hygienist, she has been creating personal hygiene kits for homeless people in Houston for years.
A Sheraton Kaua‘i associate who gathered for the presentation agreed with the need to support the community and the needy people.
“I wouldn’t be here where I am if I never got the help from the YWCA and the transitional housing program,” the associate said. “I had two children, nowhere to go. It was hard work on my part, but without that extra help, who knows where I would be?”
Capiello said following the successful “You Dine, We Donate” campaigns in October and November, the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort will continue raising funds through December to benefit the American Red Cross, Hawai‘i State Chapter.
All food and beverage proceeds at the RumFire Po‘ipu Beach Table No. 53 will be donated to the nonprofit organization during the monthlong fundraiser.
“Following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy … and the American Red Cross’ heroic efforts in that region, we are reminded of the organization’s significant role in helping the residents of Kaua‘i following hurricanes ‘Iniki and ‘Iwa,” said Chip Bahouth, general manager of the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort, in a Starwood release. “Because this year marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane ‘Iniki, we are proud to show our appreciation of the work the American Red Cross, Hawai‘i State Chapter has done in the past and continues to do here in the islands.”
The American Red Cross provides compassionate care to those in need, its network of donors, volunteers and employees share a mission of preventing and alleviating suffering, here at home and around the world, the Starwood release states.
The Hawai‘i State Chapter of the American Red Cross provides the following programs and services in the State of Hawai‘i — disaster relief, safety training, service to the Armed Forces, international services, Red Cross First Aid Stations and community events and presentations.
Wong said the support for the community was not limited to the Hawai‘i Foodbank, Kaua‘i Branch contribution because during the weekend, at the company’s Christmas party, $9,500 in scholarships were presented to six recipients, all children of Starwood associates.
Those students and their parents are as follows:
• Alisa Waiamau, a student at Kaua‘i Community College, and Rayana Waiamau, a student at Concordia University of Portland; father, Doug Waiamau.
• Courtney Brede, a student at Chaminade University in Honolulu; mom, Cheryl Brede.
• Bessie Baclig, enrolled at the University of Colorado, Denver, mom, Elsie Baclig.
• Alysha Soria, a student at Southern Oregon University; both parents, Vic and Gloria Soria.
• LeinaRose Fune, enrolled at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa; father, Herb.
“Our wish for you is that all your dreams and visions come true and remember: everything seems impossible — until it’s done,” Wong said during the presentation of the first scholarship awards to the students’ Starwood associates.
Wong said since the start of Starwish Kaua‘i, the associates and community has supported the program to the point where it surpassed its goal of raising $20,000.
“It takes every little bit, an associate contributing a dollar, or $5 for a ticket, to get to where we are,” Wong said. “Now that our remodelling is complete, we plan on getting more involved in the Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association’s Visitor Industry Charity Walk where all funds raised on Kaua‘i, stays in our community to help people.”
She said the Starwish Kaua‘i group is looking at possibly having RumFire Po‘ipu Beach Table No. 53 benefit the Charity Walk in the future.
Patrons interested in participating in RumFire’s “You Dine, We Donate” program are encouraged to make reservations by calling 742-4786 (RUM) and requesting Table No. 53.
The table, offering 180-degree oceanfront views and Hawaiian-rooted cuisine with global influences, is available on a first come, first served basis.
All food and beverage proceeds will be donated to the beneficiary nonprofit. The gratuity will be paid to the server and taxes will be remitted to the State of Hawai‘i.
