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Kokua Line June Watanabe |
Taste of Honolulu
good fund-raiserQuestion: We recently attended the Taste of Honolulu fund-raiser. Can you explain how (and what percentage of) money spent there makes it way to charity?
If the restaurants represented at Taste of Honolulu are making a sacrifice to be there (rather than a profit), they deserve to be recognized. I see many similar events advertised as being for charity but am never clear how those charities benefit.
Answer: Easter Seals expects to net around $220,000 from this year's Taste of Honolulu fund-raiser, held June 20-22, according to Billie Gabriel, vice president of development for Easter Seals Hawaii.
That's after sharing proceeds with 26 restaurants, which must be invited to participate, and subtracting expenses. The event also had a $3 admission charge (senior citizens and children under 12 were free).
Easter Seals has a revenue-sharing deal with participating restaurants, with the percentage varying with each restaurant, Gabriel said. It also provides the basic infrastructure for each restaurant to set up -- meaning tents, electric and water hookups, etc. -- and all public relations and promotional material.
Still, "not all restaurants make money," Gabriel said. Although some employees volunteer their services, some restaurants pay for their labor. Each restaurant also pays a booth fee.
"It's a significant commitment on (the restaurants') part," she said, because the fund-raiser has evolved into a three-day event.
Apparently, it's a win-win situation for both the organization and the restaurants, because most keep participating year after year.
Meanwhile, corporate sponsors help pay for specific activities, such as cooking demonstrations and entertainment.
Although net proceeds will be about $30,000 less than last year, the organization is happy with the amount raised, Gabriel said. All the money raised stays in Hawaii, she added.
About 44,160 people attended the event this year. Easter Seals Hawaii works with children and adults with disabilities.
Q: My husband and I were visiting downtown Honolulu the week of June 16 and noticed the flags flying above the state Capitol, both U.S. and state, were faded and badly frayed. Can you help get them replaced soon?
A: The flags were replaced last week, after the Governor's Office received at least two calls about the tattered banners.
Auwe
To the person who damaged my 2002 Chrysler wheelchair-accessible van in the Sam's Club parking lot in Pearl City at noon Saturday, June 14. The van cost me $56,000 with wheelchair ramp conversions. I was injured two years ago and am permanently disabled. I have a toddler. I have overcome a lot in my life and finally accepted my disability.However, seeing a big white dent on the ramp door was so sad. C'mon, I know you drive a luxury car and have insurance. -- The Gal You Hit
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