Kauai United Way Blog

“All that is not given is lost” – Hasari Pal

There is a famous story about William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army.  It goes…….One Christmas many years ago, Mr. Booth wanted to send encouragement to all the salvationists serving tirelessly around the world.  This was in a time that communication was by telegraph and you paid per word.  Money was tight that year and The Salvation Army was especially short.  After many discarded ideas for the message that would best portray the essence of his mission and the crux of his heart….William Booth decided on one powerful word.

O-T-H-E-R-S.

There was an experiment performed in the area of quantum physics by researcher Paul Persall.  This study showed the physiological effects of giving on the human brain.  Through censorship of brain activity it was proven that when a person extends kindness to another, it naturally increases the production of endorphins in the “givers” brain.  Furthermore, it was proven, that it also increases the endorphins in the brain of the “receiver.”  Most surprisingly however, was that one act of generosity would even extend to a third party “observer” as well.  This study is scientific proof that our human brains are wired for kindness and giving.  We were created to give as we have been given.

Since childhood, my Father instilled in me lessons for surviving the “real world.”  I grew up with phrases such as; “money doesn’t grow on trees,” “nothing in this world comes for free” and  “you get what you work for”.  My father thought it would be a valuable lesson to pay for my own college education, so I began working at age 8 delivering newspapers.  Many times in college, I juggled two jobs, and a full schedule. I went days without sleeping to achieve my goals.  One day after graduation, a distant uncle invited me to lunch.  He asked about my student loans.  I quickly attempted to change the subject, ashamed at how in debt I was.  He pulled out his checkbook and said, “all you have to do is give me a number.”  He wrote me a check for the full amount of my student loans that afternoon.  I cannot describe to you the impact this single act had on my life, not just financially, but completely.  He never asked me to pay him back, or mentioned it again. In fact, he never mentioned it to the rest of the family.

My father loves me and taught me the tools he had learned to survive in “the real world.”  However, the lesson that changed my existence was the lesson of generosity and plenty, “you can get something for nothing.”   I will repay my debt by extending this lesson to as many as I can.

A gift is never “deserved”, that is the definition of a gift.  Sometimes just one person believing in you can change your world. The beauty in the gift of giving is that it works like a ripple……it doesn’t stop, it is continuous.  Love is an action and it is worth believing in.

“My passion is to serve great meals. The best way to do that is through the showcasing of Hawaii’s farms and ranches and the food they produce. ‘Fresh’ and ‘local’ are the two words which guide every decision we make at Merriman’s.” –Peter Merriman

Thursday, August 19th is quickly approaching and this marks a special day for Kaua’i United Way.  We will be having our Annual Campaign Kickoff Celebration at The Grand Hyatt in Poipu.  Ron Wiley and Doug Sears will be hosting the event.  We are very excited to have secured a guest speaker from the island, Peter Merriman.  He has been a strong supporter of Kauai United Way and we look forward to his words, which will compliment the luncheon.  A little more about Peter Merriman………….

Peter Merriman is a culinary artist, a chef and a restaurateur.
After arriving on the Hawaiian Islands in 1983 to work as a cook at the new, world-class Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, it was not long before Peter Merriman advanced to executive chef at the resort’s Gallery Restaurant.

A man of vision, Peter Merriman took his career to a new awareness.
It was at the Mauna Lani where Peter began to climb coconut trees to get the perfect coconuts for his spicy fish sauce. He even convinced a laundry truck driver to bring him the rare, supersweet, number 10 corn from the other end of the island each day, so he could serve it with his innovative dishes. He thought of unique compliments like Ono with Mango Sauce and Poached Opakapaka with Snow Pea Puree and Ginger Lime Sauce.  His reputation blossomed around the island and word quickly spread about his passion and dedication.

In 1988, Peter and Vicki, his wife, opened their signature upcountry restaurant, Merriman’s, in Waimea.
Merriman’s uses 90% local product in its dishes, and many of the farmers he supports grow organically.
Over the years, Peter Merriman has cultivated a rich relationship with local ranchers and farmers, by encouraging them to try new varieties of fruits, vegetables and range-raised meats, which he, in turn, can buy and serve at his exquisite restaurants.

He now plays a role in three different enterprises.  First, his flagship restaurant, (in Waimea), offers a genuine Hawaii Regional dining experience. In addition, Peter teamed up in 1992 (with TS Restaurants) to open Hula Grill on the beautiful island of Maui.  Lastly, in 2003, Peter opened a quaint Merriman’s Market Cafe, which has a more casual environment then his flagship restaurant, and offers indoor and outdoor seating with a phenomenal Mediterranean inspired cuisine.  This time he chose Waikoloa Beach Resort King’s Shops on Hawaii’s Big Island for the location.
We look forward to hearing the words of wisdom that Peter Merriman will impart at the Kauai’s United Way Annual Campaign Luncheon.  And we extend gratitude from KUW for his generosity in sharing this event with us.

We have many exciting events coming up in the near future of Kaua’i United Way and the two that jump to mind are our Walk-A-Thon fundraiser and our Annual Campaign kickoff approaching quickly next week……

The 2010 Kauai United Way Annual Campaign kickoff will be held August 19th in style at the Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Kaua’i in Poipu, and you are invited.  The campaign co-chairs this year will be Doug Sears and Ron Wiley.  “Giving and caring about our Ohana is a big part of what makes Kauai such a special place.”  So far the invited guests include

1.     Companies that have agreed to hold employee campaigns for Kauai United Way at their workplace – We are so grateful to have the support of companies across the island of Kauai.  It is truly amazing how a little bit can go a long way.  Employees give a small portion of their paychecks each month, sometimes even just a couple of dollars, and it translates to so much more.  Small contributions by a large group becomes exactly what we need to support our island.

2.     KUW’s 27 participating agencies – These are the agencies which Kaua’i United Way has dedicated all of its support.  We would not exist unless we were able/allowed to help these specialized agencies address particular needs, with particular groups.  Our participating agencies take the time to reach out to the individuals in our community with the best tools, and the most qualified expertise available.

This year’s key note speaker will be Peter Merriman, owner of Merriman’s Kauai restaurant (his restaurants are statewide and use 90% local ingredients).  Peter Merriman has also been a huge supporter, financially, for Kauai United Way.

Tomorrow, we will look at Peter Merriman and how he contributes to the island of Kauai.

I wanted to take the time today to thank our four bronze sponsors of Kaua’i United Way’s 10th annual Golf Tournament at The Kauai Lagoons Golf Course.  Thanks to our sponsors and everyone who participated. The tournament was sold out,  and a huge success.  Of course we could do nothing without the ongoing support of our sponsors and we had four special “bronze” sponsors that we wanted to give a special thanks to; Hawaiian Telecom, Oceanic Time Warner Cable, HGEA, and Hawaii Lecet.  Below I will give a little history of each of these valuable organizations.

Hawaiian Telecom is a wealth of information.  It features anything from your horoscope to the weather, local news and listings, and even how 50 Cent lost so much weight as their “Most Popular Video”.  At Hawaiian Telecom they provide Hawaii’s best home phone service, phone plans, internet and wireless communications for residents and businesses.  Check out their website above, it was really fun to browse!  Thanks Hawaiian Telcom.

Oceanic Time Warner Cable - Has been serving the Hawaiian Islands since 1969, and Hawaiis’ residents have relied on Oceanic Time Warner Cable for quality cable service. Today, Oceanic operates one of the most technically-advanced and innovative systems in the industry. I am personally a customer of Oceanic Time Warner Cable and I can say from experience that they provide the best service and attention.  More than just television, Oceanic Time Warner Cable is Hawaii’s choice for communication, entertainment and information services. Oceanic Time Warner Cable is able to bring; High-speed wireless Internet, exclusive on-line multimedia presentations, digital television, movies On Demand, Pay-Per-View, Music Choice, community programming, and unlimited long distance home phone services. Thanks Oceanic Time Warner Cable.

HGEA stands for Hawaii Government Employees Association.  HGEA was started by Honolulu Board of Water Supply managerial employees in 1934 in response to a 10 percent pay cut.  The HGEA vision is to be a thriving organization with high membership involvement, respected in the community and dedicated to improving the lives of all people.  The HGEA mission is to preserve and advance employee rights and benefits through collective bargaining, legislative advocacy and political action.  What I really loved about HGEA was their facebook page.  It was really interactive and looks like a good place for Hawaii’s government employees to have a voice.  Check out their facebook page here and become a fan….What an excellent opportunity for social networking to actually serve a purpose and make a difference.  Thanks HGEA.

Hawaii LECET The Hawaii Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, (LECET) is a partnership between the 4,500 Statewide union members of the Hawaii Laborers’ Union, Local 368 and its over 400 signatory union contractors.  Hawaii LECET basically represents a partnership between the Laborers’ International Union of North America, and its 400 Signatory employers. Hawaii LECET was established through a collective bargaining agreement in 1992.

Kaua’i United Way had a wonderful 10th annual golf tournament last weekend, and could not have done it without our sponsors.   Today I would like to take the time to thank our single “Silver” sponsor Grove Farm.  Grove Farm has been on the island of Kaua’i since it was founded in 1864.  A little history……..
In 1864, George Norton Wilcox, (raised in Hanalei), became the sole owner of “Grove Farm”.  George Norton Wilcox was already a natural leader in his community and a philanthropist at heart.  Under his leadership, Grove Farm came to be known for not only its high quality of product, sugar cane, but a positive economic source for growth on Kaua’i. Grove Farm has worked hard to live up to their reputation as a local company for the past 150 years, and  their dedication to the island of Kaua’i has remained unwavering.

Grove Farm brought many modernizing changes to Kauai agriculturally, economically, and socially.  Agriculturally, Grove Farm embraced the construction of an innovative water irrigation system, and they were the first to on the islands to use the sugar cane seed planter.  Socially,
In December of 1941, Grove Farm became immersed in helping/defending in World War II. They dedicated large acreages (previously used to grow sugar), to instead grow food to meet the needs of the local population and the military.  Economically, Grove Farm was the first to build a hollow tile house on Kauai, and give its workers an opportunity to own their homes rather then just rent them.  Grove Farms pioneered the break from the traditional housing system where the workers had to rent plantation houses, and pioneered a home ownership program. By 1955, 177 plantation employees owned homes. These are just  a few examples of how Grove Farm has shown its dedication to social and economic opportunities for all, on the island of Kauai.
Grove Farm continues today, to demonstrate the highest regard for Kauai’s island community in all facets of economic growth, both in sugar production and in land development.
Now, Grove Farm Company, Inc., headquartered in Lihue, owns approximately 40,000 acres on Kaua’i, making it one of Kaua’i's largest private landowners.  Grove Farm continues to maintain its keen focus and commitment to Kaua’i.

As a kama`aina company, Grove Farm is committed to leading Kaua´i’s community and economic development, while being a responsible steward of its community.

Thank you so much to Grove Farm for helping Kaua’i United Way.

“Live United….the Kaua’i United Way.”  What an excellent example.

Tomorrow I will be in to Kauai United Way for a meeting and will be retrieving lots of pictures and tid bits about what and how the golf tournament went on Sunday July 18th.  I live on the north shore and it rained all night.  I tossed and turned with a prayer in my heart for sun.  All the teams were looking forward to their eighteen holes of golf, and Kauai United Way had worked so hard behind the scenes to make it work.  I am happy to report that although there were scattered showers in the morning, the sun peeked through successfully by late morning to early afternoon.  Until I get the pictures and talk about the sponsors and prize winners tomorrow, I want to take this time today to thank The Board Members of Kauai United Way for working so hard to make the 10th Annual Golf Tournament for Kaua’i United Way a success….

First and foremost, thank you to Kauai Lagoons Golf Club for allowing the golf tournament to be hosted at there establishment.  Thank you to the committee members who are as follows;

Kenneth Kimura – Co-Chair

Dean Toyofuku – Co-Chair

Gerald Ako – HGEA AFSCME, Local 152

Clifton Arruda – Bank of Hawaii

Paul Endo – First Hawaiian Bank

Mike Kano – Retired

Marlene Matutino – Ocanic Time Warner

Tom Shigemoto – A&B Properties, Inc.

Glen Tamagawa – Wailua Golf Shop

Robert Westerman – Kauai Fire Department

Peter Yukimura – Koa Trading Co., Inc.

Thank you to all the committee members…..tomorrow stay tuned to hear more about the happenings of the golf tournament.

This blog comes late afternoon on a beautiful and sunny Friday.  It comes as a final reminder that this weekend, (Sunday to be exact), on July 18th is our tenth annual Golf Tournament at Kaua’i Lagoons Golf Club!  The Board of Directors from Kaua’i United Way met yesterday afternoon and were full of electricity for the upcoming event.   Sunday July 18th will not only be filled with all sorts of opportunities to drive, putt, and chip the golf ball around the beautiful 18 hole course, but a chance to win prizes at every bend.  The tournament has sold out.  At the Board meeting the prizes were reviewed with growing enthusiasm and anticipation to see who would win what.  There will be team prizes, lucky number drawings, a Grand Prize of a Las Vegas get-away, a chance to win a car from King Auto Center, and so many more.  I think they said there were 94 prizes to be gifted.  Thank you so much to all of the generous donations from companies on the island.  Everyone has been so instrumental in making this Golf Tournament work over the past ten years, and again this year.  The People at Kauai United Way are so impressed with the teamwork of the community.  ”Everyone really pulls together to help each other on this island.” Scott Giarman proudly boasted on Thursday after the meeting.  We will be giving a brief update on Monday about the results of the tournament and hopefully a nice picture.  If you want to see a multitude of the pictures, please visit us on our facebook page.  We will be posting them as well.  Thank you so much again from Kauai United Way, and “let the games begin!!!”

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1693524400&ref=name#!/pages/Kauai-United-Way/94789337808?ref=ts

Some might wonder how we choose who to support on the island.  Perhaps you are a non-profit looking for some guidance.  Today I will outline what Kaua’i United Way considers in order to become a participating agency of Kauai United Way.  The following guidelines apply:

1) have been providing services which are important to the people of Kauai for at least two years.

2) have community support

3) have held IRS 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt status for at least two years

4) have an active, responsible board of directors who serve without compensation

5) conduct their work in a responsible and ethical manner

6) maintain proper program and financial records and utilize their funds efficiently

7) make annual program and financial reports available to the public

seek funding from additional sources, approved by Kauai United Way

9) supprt the Kauai United Way annual campaign among their staff and community

10) assist Kauai United Way with the campaingn and special events throughout the year (as needed)

11) work cooperatively with other Kauai United Way Participating agencies

12) refrain from fundraising activities during our “blackout” period of our annual campaign, September – November unless it is approved through our board of directors.

A list of our Participating Agencies (all located on Kauai Island) are as follows; The American Red Cross, ARC of Kaua’i, Boy Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Club, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Child and Family Services, Friendship Club, Friends of the Kaua’i Drug Court, Girl Scouts of Hawaii, Hale Kipa, Hale ‘Opio Kaua’i Inc., Hawaii Childrens Theatre, Hawaii Literacy, Hina Mauka, Kauai Economic Opportunity Inc. Mediation and Homeless Program, Habitat for Humanity, Kaua’i Hospice, Leadership Kauai, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, Malama Pono, Mental Health Kokua, Patch, The Salvation Army, YMCA of Kauai, and YWCA of Kaua’i.

We will be featuring our Participating Agencies one by one in alphabetical order each day this month so you can get to know them.

Sunday, this July 18th, the Kaua’i Lagoons Golf Club will be hosting Kauai United Way’s 10th Annual Golf Tournament! Registration will begin bright and early at 7:00 a.m and the shotgun will start at 8:00….how exciting.  Thank you to the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club for hosting this annual event.  Some rules and fomat for the golf tournament are as follows; 18 holes of golf, four person teams, handicap max of men 30 and women 40 with a cut off of a 20% handicap for the total team, and Mulligans are available for $5.00 each.  There are team prizes, lucky number drawings for a trip to Las Vegas, an exquisite luncheon at  the Kauai Marriott Ballroom, and a chance to win a new vehicle from King Auto Center with a Hole in One on the 8th hole. There are hole in one prizes on all par 3′s, and a silent auction as well.  This annual fundraiser is organized to benefit the 27 social service agnecies of the Kaua’i United Way, who directly serve the people of Kaua’i in their specialized fields.  The Kauai United Way of Hawaii has been serving the people of Kauai since 1943.  I will be sure to let you know how the fundraiser goes and who won which prizes.  We at Kauai United way aim to provide leadership and to unite the people of Kauai by sharing resources to better care for one another.  If you have any interest in making a one time donation to support our cause, please click the green “Donate Now” button on the right side tool bar….or we encourage you to contact us with any questions directly at the Kaua’i United Way headquarters in Lihue.

While most people know Kauai United Way does “good things” not enough understand the depth or importance of our contributions to the community.  Its easy to get passionate about feeding the hungry, providing emergency services, coming to the aid of those with physical and mental handicaps, preventing the spread of disease and providing positive role models for our kids.  All these are things that Kauai United Way does, but we do them by helping other organizations who specialize in these services.  That’s why, in addition to the ways we add value to our donors’ contributions, we must constantly emphasize our ties to and the importance of our “Participating Agencies.”  They all provide critical social services, and we want to help them to continue.  In short, our objective at Kauai United Way is to help each Participating Agency to provide their unique, customized, specialized services.  In additon, it is also important to emphasize that we are independent and local.  The money that is raised here on the Island of Kauai, stays here on Kaua’i.  Any money donated is guaranteed to help our neighbors, our community and our beautiful island.  We, at Kauai United Way, feel it is important to emphasize how easy it is to make a contribution which can have a ripple effect.  All donations that are generously given to Kauai United Way, however big or small, help bring important social services to those in the community who need them.  Over the next couple of weeks, we will be featuring some of the “participating agencies” that we help.  Lets get to know each one together.