LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i United Way annual walk-a-thon provided hundreds of people and numerous community groups a fun and healthy way to raise funds. Held under voggy, humid conditions recently at Kukui Grove Center, Lori Almarza of the KUW said
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i United Way annual walk-a-thon provided hundreds of people and numerous community groups a fun and healthy way to raise funds.
Held under voggy, humid conditions recently at Kukui Grove Center, Lori Almarza of the KUW said more than 650 walkers of all ages and representing 40 groups, including several which fall under the KUW umbrella of community service, raised more than $31,000.
Mike Cano, representing the Boy Scouts of America, said the annual walk-a-thon was not always so user friendly.
“Remember the days when the start was where the Kaikea fire station is now located?” Kano said. “We used to walk from there to Lihu‘e. Then, they moved the start closer to where the Bank of Hawai‘i, Kapa‘a Branch is.”
From the Westside, the walk originated from the ‘Ele‘ele Shopping Center for several years before being moved to Kalaheo at the intersection of Kaumuali‘i Highway and Papalina Road.
Today, the walk is a casual affair, meandering through Kukui Grove Center area, winding past the Kukui Grove West area before heading up to the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, and back to the mall.
Joan Kealalio and the Kapa‘a High School Interact Club, numbering 108 members, work on the logistics of the event, adding a number of members to the walk force.
Lt. Jon Takamura and the Kaua‘i Police Department made sure walkers were safe, closing off certain intersections so the throng of walkers, usually filling four lanes of the highway, could stay safe.
Almarza said they appreciate the efforts and cooperation of Kukui Grove Center, Josh Pajela and his audio services and this year, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. took the place of an aerobics leader to warm up the group using moves from Bev Brody, the Get Fit Kaua‘i island coordinator.
Scott Giarman, KUW executive director, said with the walk out of the way, usually taking place around Halloween, registration is currently being accepted for another fun event taking place Nov. 10 at the Yum Cha restaurant located next to the Po‘ipu Bay Golf Course clubhouse.
“Yum Cha is having an exclusive tasting party,” Giarman said in an email. “The event will take place Nov. 10 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The price of just $55 includes not just the all-you-can-eat menu, but two drinks, live entertainment and a portion of the proceeds goes to the vital community work of Kaua‘i United Way’s 29 participating agencies.”
Diann Hartman of the Grand Hyatt described the event as the Yum Cha Year of the Dragon tasting party benefiting the Kaua‘i United Way.
Menu selections include Pork Shumai, Pot Stickers, Sushi, Ahi Poke and Wonton, Pad Thai, Wagyu Szechuan Beef, Whole Mahi Mahi and more with beer, wine and specialty cocktails and entertainment by John Rivera and Friends.
“Kaua‘i United Way is grateful to the management and staff of Yum Cha and the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa for going the extra mile in service to the Kaua‘i community,” Giarman said.
Call 240-6434 for more information or to make reservations.
Visit the website www.kauaiunitedway.org for more information and a list of Participating Agencies.
