Wilcox Gifts $30,000 To Foodbank

Emoni Kitiona (left) and Junior Fuimaono of Lighthouse Outreach, which feeds 200 families a month, pick up canned goods from Hawaii Foodbank-Kaua‘i Branch. Photo courtesy Hawaii Foodbank-KauaÊ»i Branch

Not that many people know of the good cause and the good work by the folks over at Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Kaua’i, an entity that offers assistance to na opio and keiki who are abused, neglected and in foster care. The nonprofit also has a one-of-a-kind program on Kaua’i, through which it is able to give local children clothing, toys and counseling, but most importantly, the human connection they so desperately need and deserve, especially following that transition period where they may be leaving home to live with relatives or foster families.

Speaking with board member Jalene Huff the other day, I was so heartened when she explained that among other things, they offer children touchstones – something that the children can call their own, such as backpacks full of new belongings and personal effects. The reason I’m bringing it up is in the hope that readers will mark their calendars for the organization’s upcoming Treasure Our Children, Kaua’i Style fundraiser, Friday, Aug. 3, 5 to 8 p.m. at Marriott Kaua’i Lagoons tennis courts. Cost is $35 each or $300 for a table of 10, no host bar. The fun-filled, local-style evening will include hula by Halau Mohala o ka Pua Hau Hele, music by Sean Carillo and Michael Barretto, and a silent auction. Tickets can be purchased at Wine Shop in Koloa, Pictures Plus in Lihu’e and Island Soap and Candle Works in Kilauea. For more information, call 246-0923, email fcjcKauai@live.com or visit fcjckauai.org …

Halau Mohala o ka Pua Hau Hele at last year’s Children’s Justice Center event. Photo courtesy FCJC

Things are moving forward for Kaua’i United Way (KUW), which recently was approved by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Hawaii. KUW meets all 22 of the Hawaii BBB’s standards for charitable accountability, and Scott Giarman, KUW executive director, says he’s pleased about the achievement, noting, “it’s another validation of KUW’s value to the Kaua’i community.” KUW is the island’s umbrella charitable organization, and contributions help the residents throughout the island. For more information, visit kauaiunitedway.org or call 245-2043 …

It’s almost time for the fourth annual Mayor-athon June 23, an outdoor, health-inspired activity that has gained quite a following over the past few years. This year there also will be a free shuttle for Westside residents, so no excuses!

Bus stop locations and pickup times for the special

Westside bus are:

* Kekaha Neighborhood Center, 5 a.m.

* Waimea Athletic Field, 5:05 a.m.

* Hanapepe Multi-Purpose Building, 5:15 a.m.

* Kalaheo Post Office, 5:25 a.m.

* Kukui Grove Center, 5:40 a.m.

* Return trip from the Kapa’a Public Library, 10 a.m.

The Mayor-a-thon is open to walkers, runners, cyclists. Mary Daubert photo

Participants are encouraged to register early as free T-shirts will be given to the first 500. There also will be games, door prizes and live music, plus special prizes for the best-decorated bike, stroller and participant. Judging for the contests will take place at 6:30 a.m. Free breakfast will be provided by Sweet Marie’s Hawai’i Inc. For more information or to request additional support or an auxiliary aid to participate in the event, call Bev Brody at 212-4765 …

Kathryn Braun, professor of public health and social work at the University of Hawaii, recently asked me to help get the word out about some promising Hawaii outcomes and the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP). It’s an initiative based on chronic diseases, which Braun says is the No. 1 cause of death, disability and high medical costs. The program working to address this is Ke Ola Pono, based on the Stanford University CDSMP. As policy makers search for innovative, evidence-based programs that can both save money and improve quality, CDSMP is emerging as a model program that needs to be made more available to chronically ill seniors on Kaua’i and throughout the Neighbor Islands. To learn more, email Vanessa.Miranda@ncoa.org or call (571) 205-2873 …

Kaua’i Habitat for Humanity recently announced its receipt of a $100,000 Community Grant Award from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, for home repair and renovation services for 20 qualifying low-income homeowners on Kaua’i. During the yearlong project, Kaua’i Habitat for Humanity will work with 20 qualified low-income homeowners to address one of OHA’s priorities, and will help mitigate home environment conditions that adversely affect the health of homeowners and their families. To apply, homeowners must complete an Interest Form, which is available at the KHFH office in Hanapepe or online at kauaihabitat.org under the “Own a Home” tab, “Repair and Renovation Program.” For more information, contact Catherine Shiningstar Ka’auwai at 335-0296, ext. 117, or cshiningstar@kauaihabitat.org …