LIHU‘E — Some 700 volunteers helped raise more than $33,000 for the Kaua‘i United Way Walk-a-thon this weekend in Lihu‘e. Scott Giarman, KUW executive director, said Saturday’s total number of walkers and amount raised is about the same as last
LIHU‘E — Some 700 volunteers helped raise more than $33,000 for the Kaua‘i United Way Walk-a-thon this weekend in Lihu‘e.
Scott Giarman, KUW executive director, said Saturday’s total number of walkers and amount raised is about the same as last year’s figures.
“This is only a preliminary total,” Giarman said. “There are still pledges which will come in and if everything is on course with last year, we should finish with about $40,000.”
The Kapa‘a High School Interact Club was one of the bigger groups participating with about 90 members, said Joan Kealalio, one of the group’s advisers.
The club also coordinated the post-walk breakfast and helped to serve food to the participants returning from the walk, which snaked through the business district, turning at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School before returning to Kukui Grove Center.
Brian Yamamoto of Kaua‘i Community College was helping the Interact Club because his daughter is a member.
“This is also the day the club members get their new shirts for the year,” he told a spectator admiring the “Service Beyond Self” slogan emblazoned across the top back of the shirt. “You’ll see these new shirts at the different functions and events the club participates in.”
The Kaua‘i High School Key Club was another strong participating group with about the same number of walkers as the Interact Club, both groups intermingling throughout the morning.
Another group, the Kaua‘i Community College Nursing Department, offered free blood pressure checks and information on nutrition, offering several random drawing prizes based on healthy eating information.
“This is what the walk is all about,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., who welcomed the participants. “It’s not a race, but a good way to help raise money for a worthy cause while building community by talking story and learning more from each other while you enjoy a nice walk.”
Kaua‘i United Way is Kaua‘i’s umbrella charitable organization, supporting 28 vital participating agencies which collectively make life better for everyone, Giarman said. Money raised on Kaua‘i stays on Kaua‘i, he added.
Visit www.kauaiunitedway.org or call 245-2043 for more information.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
