Whatever
Happened To...
An update on past news
Fund-raising efforts
continue for isle Red CrossQuestion: What ever happened to the fund-raising campaign by the Hawaii Red Cross?
Answer: The American Red Cross of Hawaii is working to reduce a $150,000 shortfall in this year's $3.2 million budget through direct mail and other fund-raisers.
Coralie Chun Matayoshi, chief executive officer, said she is confident the nonprofit will meet the shortfall.
"Every dollar counts and it's adding up," she said.
The Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on donations from corporations and the public to keep operating. The Red Cross has scheduled several fund-raisers this month.
"One hundred percent of the money stays in Hawaii," Matayoshi said.
Last year, the Red Cross responded to 152 disasters throughout the state. The Red Cross also offers swimming lessons, as well as CPR and first aid training. Nearly 37,000 people were trained by the Hawaii Red Cross last year.
At the next fund-raiser on March 24, "Restaurant Day," Tiki's Grill & Bar in Waikiki, Ocean Club at Restaurant Row and other restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds. Schools and businesses can join the Cash for Cartridges & Cell Phones campaign by recycling used inkjet and laser toner cartridges and cell phones, with proceeds going to the Red Cross.
AIG Hawaii Insurance Co. Inc. and Zippy's Restaurants are also sponsoring a fund drive among students statewide.
Oceanic Time Warner Cable is donating the first month's subscription to its digital video recording service, worth $9.95, for every subscriber who joins in March. Call Oceanic at 643-2337.
For more information on Red Cross training, becoming a volunteer or making a donation, call 734-2101 or visit www.hawaiiredcross.org.
Ever wonder what happened to a person, event or issue that has been in the news? We'll find out for you if you e-mail us at cityeditors@starbulletin.com, call us at 529-4747 or write 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana, Honolulu, HI 96813. "What Ever Happened to ..." runs Saturdays.