Leaders of the Kaua‘i Planning & Action Alliance (KPAA) announced the recipients of the 2004 Kaua‘i Community Champion Awards at the KPAA annual membership meeting at the Radisson Kauai Beach Resort near Hanama‘ulu recently. The annual awards program, now in
Leaders of the Kaua‘i Planning & Action Alliance (KPAA) announced the recipients of the 2004 Kaua‘i Community Champion Awards at the KPAA annual membership meeting at the Radisson Kauai Beach Resort near Hanama‘ulu recently.
The annual awards program, now in its third year, was presented to the Kauai Food Bank and to the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Regions 940 (Lihu‘e and areas west) and 941 (Wailua to Ha‘ena). Program sponsors Verizon Foundation and Kawailoa Development, Inc., each donated $500 to award recipients. The Kaua‘i Community Champions Awards honor exemplary achievement among nonprofit organizations. Recipients were also given kahili, representing the excellence of their organization and their contribution to the community. In providing these awards, KPAA leaders recognized the staff and volunteers, their accomplishments, and the lessons they can share with other organizations and grass-roots groups. Accepting the award for the Kauai Food Bank was board President Paul Douglas and Executive Director Judith “Judy” Lenthall. Sean Magoun (Region 940) and Kevin Gusman (Region 941) accepted on behalf of the island’s AYSO organizations.
Leaders of the two organizations were recognized for important contributions they make toward building and strengthening community, increasing interaction and exchange between community agencies, residents and parents, and developing grassroots leaders, said Diane Zachary, KPAA president and chief executive officer. “By recognizing the vital work of Kaua‘i’s community-based nonprofits, we are supporting exceptional community efforts that address critical challenges on the island,” said Zachary. The Community Champion Award is an opportunity for recognizing organizations that champion a cause, demonstrate excellence, and exemplify sustained commitment to their mission, she said.
Leaders of both the Kauai Food Bank and AYSO acknowledged that much of their success depends on the wealth of volunteer hours contributed by board members, individuals, parents and community agencies that all collaborate on shared goals.
The keys to success for Kauai Food Bank include a supportive and interactive board of directors; cultivating an appreciative, cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with collaborating agencies; relying on strategic partnerships in the community as a way to leverage resources; and empowering small farmers to succeed and grow their business, Lenthall said.
AYSO’s keys to success on Kaua‘i include committed volunteers where everyone is a stakeholder in the success of the program; board members who strive to instruct and educate volunteers about the AYSO vision; empowering volunteers by providing specialized training and education; and embracing the importance of fun and play over the goal of winning, Magoun and Gusman said.
Criteria were established by the KPAA Advisory Board for the Kaua‘i Community Champion selection process. The board looked for organizations that: º Contribute to the strength of the community and quality of life; º Demonstrate leadership in their fields; º Have strong community support; º Have the active involvement of its board of directors and volunteers; º Embody one or more of Kaua‘i’s community values as stated in the 2000 General Plan Update; º Have a reputation for excellence and accomplishment; º Have proven organizational longevity and sustainability.
Previous awardees include Friends of Kamalani; Hui O Laka of the Koke‘e Natural History Museum; Waipa Foundation; Mokihana Festival and Kawaihau District Leadership Coalition.
KPAA operates under the nonprofit umbrella of the Garden Island Resource Conservation & Development, Inc.
(RC&D). It is a membership organization composed of nonprofit and community-based groups that recognize the need for consensus- based planning and focused, measurable action on problems facing Kaua‘i.
Members have selected four areas for action over the next two years: drugs, public education, solid waste, and parks.
KPAA is guided by a 13-member advisory board. For more information on KPAA, please call 632- 2005.
