WAIPOULI — George Thronas of the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa is pleased with the new shirt which rolled into the Courtyard by Marriott at Coconut Beach Tuesday morning — just in time for the start of the launch of the 2016 Kauai Visitor Industry Charity Walk.
“The slippah is gone,” Thronas said. “We lived with the slippah for at least five years, so I am glad we have the ho‘okupu package which was designed by Denise Wardlow and Julie Pavao of the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas.”
But the slippah is not totally gone as it is the secondary piece of art for the 2016 logo which graces the event shirt for the charity walk slated for May 14 at the Historic County Building.
The goal for the 2016 charity walk is $250,000 and 2,300 walkers. The 2015 walk raised about $244,000 and had 2,000 walkers.
Christina Gabriel, president of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, Kauai Chapter, did not miss a beat in fundraising, setting out four containers of cotton candy for one donation.
Angel Kaohelauli‘i of the Waiohai was cleaned out, having to promise to drop off more for those donations which were graciously accepted, but the donors leaving with just the promise of delivery.
Fundraising also got underway at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, where Thronas was overseeing a silent auction during the Prince Kuhio Day celebration activities taking place at the resort.
“The main purpose of the walk is to help our island community by providing monetary support to many charities and nonprofit organizations,” Thronas said.
All monies raised on Kauai are distributed to Kauai nonprofits. Last year, 57 organizations were recipients of funds generated by the charity walk.
Shereen Hoopi‘i of the Girl Scouts of Hawaii is one of those organizations who will have Girl Scouts distributing its signature cookies to walkers on May 14 along the finish leg of the 2.9-mile walk around Lihue.
“We always set aside a supply of cookies so we can do this,” Hoopi‘i said. “We appreciate the help we receive and appreciate the effort of all the walkers to help people.”
Representatives of other recipients will be on hand at the Kukui Grove Center on May 7 during the Countdown to the Charity Walk where last-minute walkers can still register, and people are able to enjoy live entertainment and a silent auction as well as meet and learn about the recipient organizations.
Thronas said there are several noteworthy community events leading to the May 14 walk, including the annual bowling tournament on April 16 at Kauai Bowl.
“It is sold out,” Thronas said. “All 28 lanes have been sold, but people can join us for fun and camaradiere even if they don’t bowl.”
