PO‘IPU — While a lot of Kaua‘i minds and hearts are wrapped up with the Maui disaster, there are people on Kaua‘i who need the services and help being provided by the Kaua‘i United Way network of more than 20 partners, said Kaua‘i United Way Executive Director Lori Almarza on Wednesday.
She made her remarks during the launch of the 2023 Campaign at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa.
“Don’t forget our people,” said Almarza as she discarded her prepared notes and spoke from the heart. “There are people who need the services our agencies provide.”
Celia Mahikoa, the executive on transportation representing Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, said during the 2022 Campaign, people gave to the tune of $566,000. This set the bar for the $600,000 goal for the 2023 Campaign.
“No sked give from da heart,” said Makana Taniguchi, a fundraising team leader for the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative. “If you give, it’ll come back to you, ten-fold. This is the aloha we all talk about.”
KIUC has been the top fundraising group for the Kaua‘i United Way for the past seven years, while Taniguchi has been the team leader for the past five Campaigns.
Kaua‘i United Way is an independent nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to serving the social service needs of Kaua‘i since 1943, and money raised on Kaua‘i, stays on Kaua‘i.
Michael Contrades of the KUW Board said because of way Kaua‘i United Way is set up, even small donations count.
“Each donation has the potential for a great positive difference,” he said. “This is the power of unity, people working, together.”
Lynette Medrano-Stine, the KUW Campaign Development Director, said the best reasons to give to the Kaua‘i United Way can be found on its website at kauaiunitedway.org. The website also provides a link for individual contributions.
For those wishing to participate in payroll deductions, both Almarza and Medrano-Stine are available to explain the program to company employees on the easy way to support the Kaua‘i United Way.
Patrick Ono, of Matson Navigation, went beyond words to help launch the 2023 Campaign.
“This is only small kine,” Ono said, presenting a corporate check for $7,500 to help toward the $600,000 journey.
