“Step it up, Kaua’i,” said Mike Kano and Tommy Contrades, co-chairs of the Kauai United Way campaign. They have set a 2005 Kauai United Way annual campaign goal of $555,000, up 5.3 percent from the amount raised last year. Kano
“Step it up, Kaua’i,” said Mike Kano and Tommy Contrades, co-chairs of the Kauai United Way campaign.
They have set a 2005 Kauai United Way annual campaign goal of $555,000, up 5.3 percent from the amount raised last year.
Kano explained the reason for the multitude of fives in the goal total, but those who weren’t there will just have to ask him if they want an explanation.
The goal was unveiled at the campaign kickoff breakfast held recently at the Radisson Kauai Beach Resort near Hanama’ulu.
“The opportunity to give a little to accomplish a lot for our island has officially arrived with the commencement of the 2005 Kauai United Way annual campaign,” said Scott Giarman, Kauai United Way executive director.
The kickoff celebration brought together representatives from Kauai United Way’s 24 participating agencies and campaign coordinators from island businesses eager to help out their community by conducting campaigns, Giarman said.
“Gifts to Kauai United Way support our whole community, making life on our island better for all,” Giarman said.
Volunteers carefully reevaluate social-service needs annually, and direct funding where it is needed the most, for ongoing as well as emerging needs, he said.
“Agency-monitoring throughout the year ensures donors that their contributions are being used efficiently to brighten the lives of those in need in our community,” he said.
All donations to the Kauai United Way stay on Kaua’i.
“Giving to Kauai United Way is easiest with payroll deduction at one’s place of employment,” Giarman commented.
“A small deduction per paycheck, whatever the employee is comfortable with, right off the top along with insurance, taxes, and all the other large deductions, combined with tens of thousands of others from people united in support for Kaua’i, really adds up to make a big difference for our island,” he added.
Owners and operators of businesses who give their employees the opportunity to contribute to Kauai United Way through payroll deduction find that employees appreciate their employer’s interests in needs of folks on the island, he continued.
This makes employees feel better connected with other members of the community, as well as boosting their morale and esteem for their employment, he added.
Kauai United Way is an independent, nonprofit organization whose leaders and volunteers have been making life better for everyone who lives on the island since 1943, Giarman said.
“When homelessness, drug abuse, crime, disease, family crises and many, many other social ills can be prevented or mitigated, we all benefit, not just the clients themselves,” he concluded.
For more information, please call 245-2043
