In honor of a birthday, building and giving

T

ime to pass out some well-deserved kudos.

Let’s start with the Kauai Historical Society. Its cultural celebration Saturday in front of the Historic County Building was the finale in a buildup to its 100th anniversary and it did not disappoint. Despite a steady downpour much of the afternoon and early evening, there was a spirited crowd that gathered under the big tent. They listened to music, watched dancers and tasted the different food offerings. There were special KHS Centennial T-shirts for sale, building tours and talks on genealogy. We hope the festivities and publicity do two things: lead to increased membership for the KHS, and raise interest in the island’s amazing history. A shoutout goes to KHS President Bill Fernandez and wife Judith for their dedication and hard work to making this the birthday party of the century.

It didn’t receive a whole lot of fanfare, but a recent restaurant campaign, “Dine for Disaster,” raised $7,489.23 for the American Red Cross — and it happened without Red Cross volunteers asking for money. Here’s how it worked: Some Red Cross advisory council members recruited seven restaurants to participate in a March promotion in which the restaurants donated some proceeds to Red Cross. For some, that meant each time a Caesar salad, a large pizza or a hamburger was ordered, $1 went to Red Cross. For others, if diners made reservations for a particular table, a portion of proceeds were donated to Red Cross. Participating restaurants included St. Regis Princeville Resort (Makana Terrace), Wahoo Seafood Grill & Bar, Sheraton Kauai Resort (Rum Fire), Kauai Golf Management (dba Puakea Golf Course), Hukilau Lanai, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (Tide Pools), and Kilauea Bakery & Pau Hana Pizza. The American Red Cross, led on Kauai by director Keri Russell, does amazing work. Its volunteers are there when people need help in an emergency. We encourage anyone to contribute to this nonprofit so it can respond to those in crisis.

Another event that deserves a round of applause was the Kauai Habitat for Humanity and the women who turned out Sunday for the Lowe’s Women Build in Kekaha. 

How inspiring it is to see people come together with nothing to personally gain, but to help others realize their dream to own a home. Without such volunteers, without such businesses willing to give time and money, some would not have the opportunity to live under their own roof. It’s that kind of spirit that enables a community to stick together through good and bad.

Thank you to all those who continue to give while seeking nothing in return.