Kauai United Way Blog

Last night the appropriations committee wrapped up the process of reviewing the 31 agencies that applied to Kauai United Way for financial support.  I plan to blog a little about that tomorrow, but today I can’t help myself, I have to rave about the YMCA facility.  YMCA is one of Kauai United Way’s partnering agencies…how did I not know about this gym?  I heard about it only yesterday, and I immediately went there to check it out.  Now…I have been to every gym on the island of Kaua’i and the YMCA is BY FAR the best resource available to work out or even to spend time with the whole family.

The summer months are drawing near, and although it is often sunny in paradise, the summer months can get pretty hot demanding swimsuits, tank tops, shorts and sundresses. I was beginning to panic…if you know what I mean…

As I worked out at the YMCA for the first time today I was nothing short of ecstatic to find eliptical training machines with T.V’s (!!!), a huge outdoor pool, an open room with light and a breeze blowing through it, and a “Brady Bunch” wholesome environment (as opposed to other gyms.)  The fee to join was only 60 dollars for me, and the cost tops off at 75.00 for a family.  I didn’t even have to put down a deposit.  What a deal.  Imagine….you can watch your favorite one hour show and workout without even realizing it (almost).  You could drop your kids at the diving class or swim lessons offered, and take some time to lift weights and care for yourself too.  I must add that the bathrooms were in impeccable order offering showers, lockers, and even remarkably clean.

I constantly have to remind myself that my health is the most important thing in life.  For many, I believe, we give so much to the people around us, we forget to give ourselves the same loving attention.  You only have one body, and one life. You deserve to feel good.

I was so happy to contribute my 60 dollars per month.  Not only do I get a beautiful, peaceful place to workout….but I am even helping to fuel a public resource/facility that does positive things for the entire Island of Kaua’i.  YMCA is a non-profit agency, so I know the money I spend on a membership will be invested wisely back into our community.  Mahalo to the YMCA for all they do.

How lucky we are to have such wonderful supporters of Kaua’i United Way.  On Thursday April 14th, we were able to congregate and celebrate all the wonderful people who contribute at The Kaua’i United Way’s Mahalo Celebration luncheon.  The luncheon was held at Duke’s Canoe Club and generously hosted by AB Foundation and Kukui Ula, Kauai’s living garden.  In addition to this, Alexander and Baldwin (AB) donated a twenty thousand dollar check toward the 2010 campaign!  Wow.

We ate a lovely meal with friends, neighbors, and cohorts.  Pictured to the left is the top 15 employee groups of the campaign 2010.  Kauai United Way is proud to announce increased success on their 2010 campaign (up from 2009), nearly reaching their increased goal, and raising almost $600,000 dollars.  This is yet another testament to the ability to give even when times are tough.  I am so appreciative to be part of a community who “gets it.”  We are all in this together.  I feel inspired by these associates who dedicate their time and energy helping others achieve the small comforts of assured human rights and dignity.

Gerald AKO, now the former Board President, touched on similar sentiments when he addressed the crowd before lunch.  He referenced Martin Luther King and reiterated his cause…and also our cause at Kaua’i United Way.  As humans, we all should have the right to live with dignity and hope.  This is not just the American dream, but an international dream with no borders, for all people.  Most philosophers agree with Martin Luther King and Gerald AKO that there are two main motivators in life, love and fear.  At Kaua’i United Way we hope to encourage love and hope as the motivation for change for this beautiful Garden Island.  We thank all the people who help us to extend that love.

I spent time working in Mother Teresa’s orphanage last year.  It was a gated community in one of the poorest slums of Bombay India.  The gate was useful not just to protect what was inside, but more allegorically, to separate the dying from the living, on the outside. It was a community referred to as “The Untouchables” by the Indian caste system.  In essence, they were the “cast offs” of society. Here I was able to witness many levels of compassion in the workers and amongst the dying.  One such story follows……

As I left one evening, I noticed some activity involving an old beat up ambulance, a bunch of Indian paramedics, and the head nun referred to only as “Mother.”  An old crumbling body lay between them in the fetal position. He was motionless, emotionless, helpless, and hopeless.  His clothes were caked in dirty grime and filth.  The most alarming part however, was the gaping hole on top of his head. Flies buzzed and maggots were crawling in and around his oozing wound.  This man was actually being eaten alive! All the medics wore gas masks and gloves to protect themselves from any germs, diseases, body fluids, or smells.  I am assuming the hospital had turned their passenger away, because they were begging the Mother, in quick Hindi, to take him in. I stood in the shadows undetected.  She listened quietly, and gently reached down touching his head with her bare hand.  The security guard opened the gate and she bid them in. Perhaps that man died that night.  There is no doubt that the nuns attended to his wounds, washed his emaciated body, and changed his filthy clothes for something fresh and clean.  That old man slept in a bed, under a roof, and he felt cared for, maybe for the first time. Tears streamed down my face as I walked home.  I knew I had changed completely by the unconditional compassion I had seen.  For……..

When I first walked to the orphanage weeks earlier, I had heard I would be working with some of the most deformed and destitute children in the world. I feared I would not be capable of  “withstanding” it.  I imagined the strength I would need to witness the poverty and gross imperfections these children had to bear.  On this first walk, every muscle twitched with the instinct to turn away and run.  I knew no one would know if I didn’t follow through with my plan.  I was alone, and no one had wanted me to come.  I continued on and in.  What did I discover? That each of these little beings had been created differently than everyone else, but it only made me appreciate their individuality more. The children didn’t know their fate within the confines of the walls.  They were a joyous clan filled with camaraderie.  Many children among them did not have legs, so naturally the kids took turns carrying them from place to place.   On that first walk I sensed blindly that I would find Love there. On the walk home, that evening, I knew I had. Through these profoundly deformed children and the nuns that cared for them, I recognized my belief of being an “untouchable” myself.  I had wasted so much time imprisoned in an illusion of separation.  The TRUTH was that I could not feel love because I was terrified to extend it. I must give love, and practice it, to feel it.  I had remained “untouchable” until I reached out.  I saw such unique creation in each of those deformed children, and through them I reached out and touched.

Why don’t we give more?  Maybe some of us believe that we don’t have anything left to give…maybe we feel the need to conserve our energy, money and time for later.  This story may change your mind:

A Raspberry – “It was a simple act of kindness,the gift of a raspberry.  More than 50 years ago it sustained the courage of a young teenage girl in a Nazi slave labor camp.  Holocaust survivor Gerda Weissmann Klein told the story recently to Columbine students. She was 15 in 1939 when the Nazis invaded her Polish homeland and took her family away. She too was eventually sent off to a series of slave labor camps for three years and never saw any of her family again.  One day, in a camp called Grunberg, her friend Ilse found a raspberry in the gutter on the way to the factory in which they worked. She carried that little treasure all day in her pocket to present it on a fresh leaf to Gerda that night. Ilse did not live to taste another raspberry…she died.  But the gesture lives in Gerda’s memory as an example of how, under terrible circumstances, kindness and caring can exist and no matter how little you have, you can always give.”

I say start with a smile and see what happens.

Did you know smiling is proven to boost immunity, there is a measurable reduction in blood pressure, and, “studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins and seratonin in your brain?

No gift is poor if it expresses the true love of the giver.  Your heart’s gifts are rich and precious.

The first week of allocation committee meetings has concluded. Before it began, I was instructed to pick up my packets.  Boy was I surprised when they handed me the materials we would be reviewing in a BOX.  Initially I was shocked at the sheer volume and weight of all the materials we collect from each agency, but now I understand the need to look closely at details … not to scrutinize, rather to learn about what each one is currently doing, to brainstorm improvements, and to compare notes about what is working in our community on Kaua’i.  Sometimes we can learn the simplest things by listening…for example, Catholic Charities, one of our current participating agencies, does not serve only the Catholic community….they serve anyone and everyone.  Truthfully I imagined them in a church somewhere.

We met with 5 agencies per day, 45 minutes each agency. We combed through budgets, new programs, and were entertained by power points and visual displays. It seems all the agencies have felt the strain of the economy in their fundraising efforts, grant funding, and government subsidies.  We empathize on the committee because we know how difficult it has been to ask for money when it seems everyone around us has needs that should be addressed in a perfect world.  I commented to Scott Giarman, executive director, how many of the agencies serve the same issues such as; abuse, addiction, criminal rehabilitation, financial assistance and homelessness. He responded that each of our participating agencies addresses needs at different levels, different stages, and different ages.   Funny, I thought to myself, that is so true. There was one consistency with all the agencies, however, and that was the feeling of responsibility for the Kaua’i ohana.  Agency after agency stressed how despite the downturn of the economy they have simply gotten more creative about covering the needs of our community; they have been pooling resources and reaching out to each other more then ever.  Working valiantly together, they are all determined to help.

Lori Almarza, office manager, has vowed to find a way to save trees and everybody’s time and stress by doing it online next year.  (She is a gregarious addition to any group with a contagious laugh BTW). I never would have guessed she is also an undercover tree hugger.

So…I am a fairly new board member at Kauai United Way.  I was “inducted” almost a year ago to serve.  Looking back on this past year, I have learned so much about the Island of Kauai and the needs that we hope to address at Kaua’i United Way.  It has been great fun working on the campaign committee and now, I am presently working on the allocations committee.  The allocations committee methodically reviews each non-profit on the island applying for Kauai United Way support.  We are given the opportunity, on the allocations committee, to learn about each non-profit supported by Kauai United Way funds, their inner workings, and how effectively they are serving our community with the money they are granted.

What a pleasure it is to work with people who serve for a living!  I feel so privileged to have the task of dividing money that was generously donated by our friends and neighbors all around Kauai.  For example: I just recently learned that many donations come from hotel workers such as cleaners, servers, and maintenance.  This inspires me because it proves that giving is not according to how much you have but reflective of heart in action.  Some of the richest people I know don’t donate a dime…..but I don’t mind because I know a secret:  Giving does not deplete, it adds.  I admire these agency representatives who give everyday to the people around them.   I look forward to the next three weeks filled with learning about the commitment and purpose each unique agency has, we will be reviewing 30.  If you are interested in the process, please check our blog daily… I will keep you in the loop from a “newbie’s” point of view.

Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in Japan in the wake of the horrific earthquake / tsunami twin disasters.  When faced with such overwhelming devastation, it is instinctual for people of conscience to draw together and want to help.  It is an epitome of the goodness of our civilization that humanity has organized itself to create entities such as the International Red Cross specifically to cope with disasters.  Donating to the Red Cross is always a good thing to do to help with the needs in the immediate aftermath of such a crisis.  You can donate directly by calling the Kauai of the Red Cross branch at 245-4919.  You can also donate via Kauai United Way’s payroll deduction at your place of employment.

United Way Worldwide has informed Kauai United Way, as well as all local United Ways around the globe, that they are now collecting donations to be transferred to the local United Way (called a Community Chest in Japan) in the devastated area.  The advantage of giving via United Way is that the funds will be allocated by local people within the affected area who will know where it is needed most.  Donations to help the local United Way / Community Chest in Japan can be made by sending a check made out to Kauai United Way, with a note indicating what it is for, to P.O. Box 1087 in Lihue or calling in a credit card number to 245-2043.

In the spirit that we must take care of ourselves before we can reach out to others, I respectfully suggest that people consider adding a note that they would like to split their donation in half between the humanitarian needs in Japan and the on-going social service needs right here on Kauai.

–Scott N. Giarman
Executive Director
Kauai United Way

Save the date!  Friday, April 8 from 4:30 to 6, there will be a fundraiser dinner at Chutney’s to benefit Kauai United Way.  Take this as a wonderful opportunity to sample buffet style, exotic foods, and see which ones you like best!  Please invite or bring all your friends and family.  All proceeds go to the vital work of Kauai United Way’s Participating Agencies.  Price is only $25.

I personally have eaten at Chutney’s twice now, and found the food to be delicious along with a hospitable and festive atmosphere.

The buffet menu will include:

Saag panner: Our fresh spinach cooked with out home made cottage cheese in with our Indian herbs.

Vegetable Pakoras: A plate of assorted vegetable fritters

Channa Masala: Garbanzo beans cooked with special herbs and spices                            

Chicken curry: Cubes of chicken with a blend of spices .  (puree of tomato, onion and garlic sauce)

All entrees will be Served with naan (Indian bread cooked in our charcoal oven) Basmati Rice.

Chutney’s also has a full bar.

So come join us April 8th from 4:30-6:00 with family and friends to enjoy wonderful Indian food.  Please come and support Kauai United Way and their cause.  Help us help our beautiful island of Kauai.

Malama Pono Health Services is hosting it’s 2011 Gala which will be a tribute to Dr. Jimmy Yoon.  He is The Medical Director at Malama Pono, and they attribute much of their success in reducing the dangers of HIV and AIDS on the island of Kauai to Dr. Yoon.  Please come and join us in supporting (I will be there), and to take part in the wild screaming comedy of Frank De Lima, a sumptuous Kama’aina dinner and other entertainment surprises.  It will be held Saturday, February 26th 2011 at Kauai Beach Resort.  This year’s 2011 Gala takes place in The Grand Ballroom, and entertainment starts at 6:15.  Come early and enjoy a drink and mingling with other guests at 5:30.  Tickets are $60 dollars and you can choose to buy individual tickets, or an entire table of 10.  For more information contact Barbara at 808-246-9577.

Dr. Jimmy Yoon is Kauai’s “most beloved” infectious disease specialist….I think he is the only infectious disease specialist…..but anyways, I personally have been a patient of his.  I went to India recently and contracted Malaria.  Unfortunately, I didn’t realize I was sick until after I had been carrying the little buggers around in my blood system for over a month.  By the time I hit the ER at the hospital, I was delirious with a fever.  Dr. Yoon treated me, and I can’t remember much about that time, but I can’t wait to meet him again under more celebratory circumstances.

Thank you Dr. Yoon for your contribution to the health on the Island of Kauai.  You are appreciated.

Kauai United Way is a supporter of Malama Pono and is eager to help them achieve their goals.  Please join us on February 26th.  Mahalo!

Loren Kayfetz and Pat Pannell looked around Kauai a few years ago, and realized what a tremendous need there was for basic services to those in tough circumstances. Over the years, they had contributed to a number of music scholarship funds and non-profit concert groups here, only to find that just giving to a targeted group was not enough. Starting two years ago and continuing today, in addition to sponsoring a number of fund raising events for the Kauai United Way, they have pledged and paid 1/2 of all new client fees on Kauai to the KUW, which has totaled over $10,000 additional support in the last year alone. What Loren and Pat, with Personal Financial Consultants, want to do is make community involvement a win-win for everyone, and hope that they can set an example for other businesses and individuals on Kauai to follow. The basic services that KUW supports are not glamorous, but contribute to the very fabric of our community, and they want others to be inspired to step up and proactive.   Their latest event for Kauai United way was called simply Classics….The United Way…….

Kauai United Way and Personal Financial threw their 2nd annual fundraising event featuring world-class classical music, while also contributing to the vital work of Kauai United Way and the agencies they support.
Guests were first invited to mingle with cocktails and decadent appetizers, while being serenaded by the Kauai Flute Quartet.  Next they were ushered into a banquet room where Ron Wiley auctioned off one-of-a-kind trips to shows in New York City, the Symphony in San Francisco, the Philharmonic in Los Angeles, or a weekend getaway at the St. Regis. Loren Kayfetz, of Personal Financial, actually stood up during the bidding on the New York City trip and upgraded the flights to first class himself!  Additionally one of the off-island trips was duplicated and awarded in a raffle drawing.  Kauai United way was awarded $13,000.00 by Personal Financial at the end of the event.  Kauai United Way is so grateful for the support of companies like Personal Financial;  It is companies like these that make the world a better place for all of us.  A little about Personal Financial now…….

Personal Financial has been serving the needs of each client since 1985.  Their custom approach to investment management is based on the belief that all clients are not created equal. Each relationship is important to Personal Financial and they have worked for 25 years to build each individual financial portfolio, special, to address the goals of each person they serve, “because the goals of our client’s are personal to us.” The team at Personal Financial develops relationships with an understanding that there are often financial implications and considerations with even the most common of life events.

Thank you Personal Financial for your on-going support.  We look forward to this event for years to come.

Personal Financial Contact:

888-557-3272

Info@PersonalFinancial.com