Lappert’s Hawaii, the company known for its hand-made premium ice cream, gourmet coffee and pastries, recently made Swim Kauai Aquatics the beneficiary of proceeds earned from its Sunset Ho‘olaulea booth, from the Koloa Plantation Days Celebration. During the block party,
Lappert’s Hawaii, the company known for its hand-made premium ice cream, gourmet coffee and pastries, recently made Swim Kauai Aquatics the beneficiary of proceeds earned from its Sunset Ho‘olaulea booth, from the Koloa Plantation Days Celebration.
During the block party, Lappert’s Hawaii employees and members of the Swim Kauai Aquatic team raised more than $4,400.
The proceeds from every cup and cone of their ice cream sold went directly towards a fund to help support Swim Kauai Aquatics. In addition to the money raised at the event, Lappert’s Hawaii donated ice cream, supplies, booth fee and a team of Lappert’s Hawaii employees to help out.
“To have this kind of community support is wonderful and we want to put this right back into the team,” said swim coach Greg Davis. “The funds will go towards travel, equipment, continuing education of our coaches and rental of pool facilities — a little bit of everything.”
Swim Kauai Aquatics supports three coaches, approximately 60 swimmers from ages 6 to 18 and a masters program and practices six to nine times per week. The coaches and staff organize competitive meets about every six weeks and open them to any team in the state of Hawai‘i who would like to participate.
“The kids work so hard, we want to give them the opportunity to showcase their talents,” Davis said.
Swim Kauai board president Stephanie Rogers is equally pleased about the teamwork between the swimmers and Lapperts.
“Approximately half of our operating expenses come from member dues. If we were to double their fees, it would be impossible for the kids to afford to swim,” she said. “So the other half comes from fund-raisers, like our yearly Swim-a-thon and community donations.”
Judy St. Clair, of Lapperts Hawaii, said they were only happy to work with Swim Aquatics.
“We had such a great time working with Swim Kauai Aquatics and are so happy that the money raised at the Sunset Ho’olaulea will help further their success,” she said.