LIHU‘E — If Russell Haluapo was here, he’d be so happy to see this, said Anson Lardizabal, one of the more than 300 motorcycle riders on Sunday at the historic County Building.
The motorcycle riders gathered for the annual Toy Run, this year, the beneficiary being the Boys &Girls Club of Hawai‘i that will share the two van loads of new and unused toys between the three clubhouses — the Waimea site,
the Lihu‘e clubhouse, and the Kapa‘a clubhouse.
“Not a word was said,” said J.C. Crouch, one of the sea of riders. “This is for Russell. Everyone knew that the second Sunday in December, we gather — more than 300 riders strong — with toys to benefit a local nonprofit. This is all for the kids.”
Darryl Low led the caravan that braved the wind and rain to trek out to Kilauea before returning to the Lydgate Park for a paina featuring Shiloh Pa.
“I get to ride Russell’s bike, today,” Low said. “I keep it in my garage at home, and today, I can take it out.”
Asaka Herman of the Boys &Girls Club said the BGCH is truly appreciative of getting the toys that will be shared with the other clubhouses on Kaua‘i.
The Boys &Girls Club has previously received the support and kindness of the motorcycle riders as in the case of Back to School when the riders descended on the Lihu‘e clubhouse laden with backpacks and other back to school supplies.
“This is all because of Russell,” Herman said.
Lardizabal turned to Boys &Girls Club leaders Jessica Herman, B.J. Guerrero, and John Bungula McCarthy with some advice.
“This is all because of good leadership,” Lardizabal said. “Russell was a good leader. You folks are the next generation who will take over when we’re gone. Remember this. It’s what Russell would do — the right thing.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
