PO‘IPU — There was a princess sitting Wednesday in the sun at the porte cochère of the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa. The princess was escorted by her protocol officer and two ladies-in-waiting as their eyes scanned the flow
PO‘IPU — There was a princess sitting Wednesday in the sun at the porte cochère of the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa.
The princess was escorted by her protocol officer and two ladies-in-waiting as their eyes scanned the flow of traffic that flowed through the lane leading up to the Po‘ipu resort.
In hushed tones, the princess explained her presence to visitors curious about the appearance of royalty who patiently waited as the corps of valet opened doors and moved cars out of the area.
The Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa played host to two Kaua‘i children who, along with their families, will be heading to Walt Disney World shortly.
Both children expressed the Disney World visit as their wish, and under the Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i, their wishes were granted.
“It’s not just us,” said Aunty Stella Burgess of the Hyatt, the protocol officer who accompanied Teresa “Princess Mulan” Iida. “It’s all those people in the community who give from the heart to make this happen.”
Burgess explained that Hyatt is a corporate sponsor of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and when they found out about the two Kaua‘i youngsters, the employees went out into the community and came back with items for a silent auction.
“The community was so giving that we exceeded our goal,” Doug Sears, the general manager of the Grand Hyatt, said. “Originally, we were targeting about 80 items, but when all the employees came back, we had more than 100 items.”
Proceeds from the auction will go to pay for the two youngsters’ trip in its entirety, Burgess said. Normally, the Hyatt as a corporate sponsor works out special pricing and other details that helps with wish visitors, she added.
“But this was more than that. The community made it possible for the two children to go,” Burgess said.
Setup for the party was a labor of love, Burgess said. Every employee who was involved had fun.
Iida designed the special centerpieces that anchored the buffet line that featured food dishes that appeal to young appetites, and was fully involved with setting up the Disney theme that was made complete with background theme music.
“We even have ice cream with a full compliment of toppings,” Burgess said.
Manoa-Haumea Oliver, 7, of Hanalei, and Trishelle Hepa, 10, of Lihu‘e were the guests of honor, and definitely the center of attention when they arrived with their families.
Burgess said one of the families said they had to put off the trip until later in the summer and was worried they wouldn’t be eligible for the hotel employees’ benevolence. But she said they worked everything out.
Manoa has a malignant brain tumor and Trishelle is battling leukemia.
“We are delighted to have the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i and their associates join us in bringing joy to the courageous children who are fighting life-threatening medical conditions, said Lyn Brown, executive director of Make-A-Wish, Hawai‘i, in a press release. “Hyatt’s philosophy of community involvement matches our belief in using grassroots outreach to create a widespread, lasting impact on everyone who shares in a wish.”
Cyndi Sheehan, the development director for Make-A-Wish, Hawai‘i, who was on hand to accept a $10,000 check from Sears, said they normally grant about 35 to 40 wishes a year to Hawai‘i children.
Burgess noted the Po‘ipu resort is oftentimes the host to wish visitors who come in from all parts of the world.
As part of the Hyatt’s longstanding commitment to making a difference and supporting the community, each Hyatt property has been empowered to generate in-kind or cash resources to support the cost of at least one wish, according to a prepared statement drafted by hotel administrators.
Additionally, Hyatt will coordinate a marketing initiative, encouraging members of Hyatt’s frequent guest program, Gold Passport, to donate their Hyatt points to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“It is Hyatt’s history and spirit of community service that will allow this new partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to make a difference in the lives of so many children around the world,” said Mark Hoplamazian, president of Global Hyatt Corporation, in the press release. “This will no doubt be a rewarding and ultimately life-changing partnership, not only for Hyatt associates, but also for the communities in which we do business.”
As the associates and children with their families enjoyed the meal, Iida, now devoid of her tiara which she presented to Trishelle, sat quietly in one part of the room and dabbed her eyes with a napkin.
“I’m a real baby,” Burgess said. “But this is all about people.:
Make-A-Wish, Hawai‘i, is the 13th chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America which now has 69 chapters, and in 2007, celebrates more than 24 years of fulfilling magical wishes for children in Hawai‘i with life-threatening medical conditions.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
