‘Star Wars’ themed fundraiser helps provide hairpieces for patients

KAILUA-KONA — “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world” is the motto of Community Cares, an all volunteer nonprofit organization.

And it’s a motto that fits the group’s calling.

Its mission is to provide wigs, hairpieces, hats and turbans to cancer patients through the Cancer Resource Center and Wig Closet at Tiana’s Avon and Wigs in Kona’s Old Industrial Area.

In its ninth year, Saturday’s fundraiser at Kona International Market, organized by Tiana Steinberg, is the main source of revenue for those in the community in need of those services.

With a Star Wars theme, visitors were able to get their face painted, try on costumes for the photo booth, get a massage, hair cut, henna tattoo, nails, and eat lunch while enjoying a talented line-up of local musicians. Informational booths were set up to promote community awareness about cancer, domestic violence and prevention as well as the plight of the homeless. The silent auction was full of discounted items from various local businesses.

Steinberg states the need is always growing while traditional sources of funding are diminishing. That is what has been keeping her going the past nine years, despite her own health issues.

“If can, can. If no can, can again,” Steinberg said of putting on the event.

Volunteers have been dwindling the past few years, but that hasn’t stopped the dynamo from putting on a fabulous fundraiser. She stayed up the whole night prepping, mostly by herself, because the need for services is so great.

It takes months to organize the four-hour event, but her thanks comes from patients’ smiles when they receive a wig to cover a balding head from cancer treatment or gain information about other available services at the center.

“Having cancer is hard; finding help is not. We look forward to serving you,” she said.

Info: 326-2866.