Steps for a Cause

On Saturday May 8th, 2010, the Molokai Gleeks put on their walking shoes for an important cause... the 33rd annual Visitors Charity Walk.  Our team felt it was important that we take an active role in helping cancer patients on Molokai.  So, in previous weeks we went door-to-door asking for donations, as well as, collected funds at our Ho'ike community event.  We raised $480 to donate to our charity - The Molokai Cancer Fund.  Funds raised are used to support cancer patients on our island to travel off-island to get treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. It was a great feeling to walk and give back to a worthy charity!  

To find out more about the Vistor's Charity walk, read the Steps for a Cause article, by Megan Stephenson, that was published in The Molokai Dispatch on Thursday May 13th, 2010.  Check out the photo of our team member Lily Jenkins.  SMILE Lily!

Steps for a Cause

Charity walk brings big money.

In 25 minutes last Saturday morning, around 50 people raised just under $5,000 for nonprofits on Molokai.

The 33rd annual Visitors Industry Charity Walk raises money statewide for charities, and all money stays on the island where the money was raised. This was Molokai’s second year participating, where the donations also include extra money donated by the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, said Executive Director Carol Reimann.

This year had a higher turnout than last year thanks to the island’s keiki, said Councilman Danny Mateo.At last Saturday’s charity walk, some participants ran ahead to finish first – Tekoa Torres-Umi (top left), Hojo Pou, Lily Jenkins, Esther Torres-Umi (bottom left), Makana Kaahanui and Caele Manley.

“We’re doing this to help each other – Molokai style,” he said. “There are so many nonprofits that need our help.”

Included in the charities benefited by the Chamber Foundation this year was Kaunakakai Elementary, which does not usually qualify because it is not a 501c3 nonprofit.

“We’re trying to reach out to organizations who do work for the community but who can’t fundraise like [nonprofits],” said Molokai Chamber Foundation President Barbara Haliniak.

Along with Kaunakakai, Kalaupapa’s Aloha Week fund was also included through the Chamber Foundation. Participating nonprofits include Molokai Baptist Church, Aka`ula School, Habitat for Humanity, Molokai Family Support and the Monsanto Fund.