KCC raises $7,700 for cancer
Supporting and honoring paddlers who have faced the challenges of cancer, Keauhou Canoe Club (KCC) raised $7,700 for the American Cancer Society (ACS) at its recent Paddle Against Cancer.
Attended by 100 KCC participants, the fundraiser included a five-mile recreational paddle, breakfast buffet prepared by club volunteers, silent auction and moving ceremony. Paddlers formed a corridor and applauded club members who have fought and survived cancer, plus those who assisted loved ones in their struggle.
In addition, club members who did not survive their battle were also recognized and remembered with stories of their fighting spirit.
“Keauhou Canoe Club has had its share of members challenged by cancer,” shared cancer survivor and KCC board member Jody Wheeler. “Their struggle against this devastating disease affects us all; the ceremony was empowering.”
The event was KCC’s second Paddle Against Cancer and 100 percent of the proceeds were donated to ACS.
According to ACS Director of Development Rebecca Vandaele of Kona, money raised will help Hawai‘i Island residents needing to travel to O‘ahu to receive treatment. ACS offers neighbor island residents free housing during treatment at Hope Lodge Hawai‘i. Located near treatment centers in Honolulu, the 2016 facility has 20 guest rooms.
Keauhou Canoe Club
Founded in 1980, the mission of Keauhou Canoe Club is to educate our youth, our membership and the community at large about Hawaiian culture, values and traditions. KCC provides paddling opportunities for people of all ages, www.keauhoucanoeclub.com.
HI-PAL youth regatta a resounding success
Hawai‘i Police Department’s (HPD) Kona Community Policing Section and the Hawai‘i Island Police Activity League (HI-PAL) would like to thank the teams and roughly 100 keiki that participated in the third annual Outrigger Youth Canoe Regatta on Martch 22 at the Kailua Pier in Kailua-Kona.
HPD and HI-PAL teamed up with Kai ‘Opua Canoe Club and Kai ‘Ehitu Canoe Club for this highly anticipated event, which also included Keauhou Canoe Club and several individual first-time participants not affiliated with any canoe club.
It was an exciting day of canoe racing with strong community engagement. The top teams/crews were recognized with medals for their outstanding performances and a delicious lunch was provided after the event, fostering a sense of community amongst participants and officers.
In addition to the canoe clubs, the Hawai‘i Police Department would like to give thanks to Miss Hawai’i Island Tyra Bates and Miss Orchid Isle Teen Diamond Kawaauhau for volunteering and supporting the regatta, Michael Evans for volunteering his time photographing the event, as well as to the Odom Corporation (Coca Cola) for providing drinks and the Roberts Foundation for the snacks and refreshments. Special thanks also to Nolan Hing of Hawai‘i Fresh Specialties and the Ellis Ohana for providing the lunch for the kids and families. The department appreciates the community for coming together to support the kids.
“This event was a true testament to the power of community and the positive impact we can have when we come together for our youth,” Kona Community Officer Warren said.
HI-PAL is an HPD program in which police officers interact with youth in various activities and act as mentors. This positive connection with the youth helps encourage teamwork, citizenship, responsibility, and builds trust amongst the youth.
