Fund-raisers, Amid the outpouring of corporate donations to terrorist attack relief efforts, Kaneohe resident Daina Hart has started a grass-roots campaign that she hopes will catch on in other communities.
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A Kaneohe resident hopes a
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yard-sale project will catch onBy B.J. Reyes
breyes@starbulletin.comHart has organized a "Yard Sale of Aloha," with the proceeds to be donated to the American Red Cross's Disaster Relief Fund.
"I hope to raise at least $1,000," said Hart, 37. "To me, any amount is helpful to the people that need it."
Throughout Hawaii, local charities, businesses and residents have sought ways to help the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the East Coast.
Hart said about a dozen people in Kaneohe's Haiku Village have agreed to help with Saturday's scheduled yard sale. She said she also has lined up support from a local Starbucks Coffee and Kaneohe Bakery.
"In my little neighborhood, maybe we can raise $1,000, but maybe ... it will challenge other neighborhoods here on the islands to do the same thing and maybe raise a lot of money."
Another fund-raising effort was announced recently by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. Bishop Chikai Yosemori said members and friends of Honpa Hongwanji's 36 temples statewide are being asked to contribute to a special "National Disaster Relief Fund Drive." A donation will be made to the American Red Cross and other appropriate organizations, the bishop said.
Catholic Charities of Hawaii is contributing to the relief effort in a different way, offering grief counseling gatherings at local churches.
"We realize that people in Hawaii and throughout the nation have been traumatized by this attack," said Jerome Rauckhorst, the organization's diocesan director. "Catholic Charities of Hawaii is ready to assist the citizens of Hawaii, regardless of culture or faith, by making all of the resources of our organization available."
Local businesses contributing to the relief effort include the Paradise Cove Luau at Ko Olina Resort.
Luau officials recently announced that $3 from every ticket sold through the end of the month will go to the New York Firefighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund. The donation program began Sept. 20. Adult ticket prices range from $54.69 to $114.58, according to the Paradise Cove Web site.
Local movie theaters also are contributing to relief efforts.
Consolidated Theatres, Signature Theatres and Wallace Theater Corp. all plan to take part in tomorrow's "Victims' Benefit Day at the Movies." In concert with the National Association of Theater Owners, 100 percent of ticket and concession sales will be donated to the September 11th Fund of the United Way and the American Red Cross, organizers said.
Several local efforts have been organized to aid those affected by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. Among them: For more information
>> Yard Sale of Aloha: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (rain date Sunday) near intersection of Makena and Kuneki streets in Haiku Village in Kaneohe. For more information, contact Daina Hart at 236-3001 or e-mail yardsaleofaloha@hawaii.rr.com.
>> Honpa Hongwanji Disaster Fund Drive: Donations can be made at any of Honpa Hongwanji's 36 temples statewide. For more information, call 522-9200.
>> Catholic Charities of Hawaii Coping with Trauma: Gatherings open to the public for anyone seeking counseling due to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Gatherings begin at 7:30 p.m. and are scheduled for Oct. 1 at Star of the Sea Parish in Waialae-Kahala, 4470 Aliikoa St.; Oct. 2 at St. Elizabeth Church in Aiea, 99-312 Moanalua Rd.; Oct. 3 at St. Anthony's Church in Kailua, 114 Makawao St.; and Oct. 11 at Christ the King Church in Kahului, Maui, 20 W. Wakea St. For more information, call 535-0159.
