In spite of heavy rain the night before and speculation of a smaller turnout because of an economic downturn in Hawai’i, approximately 500 people participated in the Kaua’i United Way walkathon yesterday morning. Walkers and runners raised $28,000 in pledges
In spite of heavy rain the night before and speculation of a smaller turnout because of an economic downturn in Hawai’i, approximately 500 people participated in the Kaua’i United Way walkathon yesterday morning.
Walkers and runners raised $28,000 in pledges – about the same as last year – to help 21 United Way-targeted community groups that provide key public services.
The event took on special significance because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. United Way officials felt people would donate less because more than 500 island residents have ether lost their jobs or had their hours cut.
“It is scary time. People are out of work,” said Scott Giarman, executive director of Kaua’i United Way. “However, as shown here (Saturday), there is a spirit of cooperation and awareness of the needs of charitable organizations. It is heartening to see.”
Many who participated in the three-mile walk around Kukui Grove Center said they did it out of respect for the victims of the terrorism and because they didn’t want the services of community groups disrupted.
Groups such as Salvation Army, Kaua’i Food Bank, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts and Girls Scout, and Kaua’i Hospice receive funding from United Way.
Pelia Salgado, an employee at the Sheraton Hotel in Po’ipu, said her work hours have been cut, but she still brought her two young daughters, Iria and Isabella, and their friend, Bless Gomez, to the walk because “it is a good cause that should get support.”
Lihu’e residents Lora and Victor Nemeth walked with their two young sons, Corey and Lyle, to show them the meaning of civic responsibility. Lyle, a member of Cub Scouts Pack 148, and his brother walked in the event for the first time.
“We are lucky. We have our health. Money isn’t a problem,” said Victor Nemeth. “We want to help others less fortunate.”
Christopher Paler, a member of Boy Scout Troop 83, said he was disappointed that he was able to raise only $100 in donations, down from $120 last year.
“But it is still $100 that will help somebody,” he said. “That is why I walk.”
Huffing and puffing after running the walkathon course, Kori Sakahashi, 14, of Kalaheo, was among the first to return. He said he has participated in the walk for the past five years and plans to do it again next year.
Kaua’i United Way holds other fund-raisers throughout the year and hopes to raise $550,000 this year. All the funds stay on Kaua’i, Giarman said.
The annual walk was started by Dr. Arthur Loo, a Lihu’e optometrist, nearly 30 years ago.
Staff writer Lester Chang can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) and mailto:lchang@pulitzer.ne
