MEDIA RELEASE

Project Compassion, a monthly fundraising event at the Kona Denny’s supports The Pregnancy Center on Sunday, Feb. 21 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Guest servers include former County Councilman and state Rep. Jim Rath, former Sen. Paul Whalen, and President/CEO of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Vivian Landrum. Celebrity hosts are Chuck and Doni Antone of the Kona Coast Chaplaincy and David Rees-Thomas, founding pastor of Calvary Community Church.

The Pregnancy Center will receive 100% of the special guest servers’ tips and 20% of food and beverage sales to help support its mission of helping men and women explore their options and empower them to make informed sexual and reproductive choices.

Project Compassion is a partnership of the Rotary Club of Kona, Denny’s Restaurant and local 501(c)3 non-profits in Hawaii. These monthly events have raised thousands of dollars since the beginning of 2009 to help the non-profits support their programs. All proceeds from the event go to the participating non-profits.

MEDIA RELEASE

What local nonprofit organization provides sports training, on- and off-island competitions and receives no state or federal funding? What group is entirely run by volunteers and does not charge the participants and the participant’s families any training or travel expenses? If you guessed Special Olympics West Hawaii, you would be correct.

Hawaii Island residents and visitors will be able to support SOWH while enjoying a meal at the Kailua-Kona Denny’s Restaurant between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Sunday, August 16. Denny’s will donate 100 percent of the tips received during this time and 20 percent of all food and drink sales to SOWH.

Project Compassion is a partnership between the Rotary Club of Kona, Denny’s Restaurant and several non-profit organizations in Hawaii. The monthly events have raised awareness for many Big Island non-profits and thousands of dollars to support their programs. All proceeds from the events go to the participating charities.

Special Olympics, founded over 40 years ago by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, believes that people with intellectual disabilities can participate in and benefit from participation in team and individual sports with the proper instruction and encouragement. Local and statewide competitions give these athletes the opportunity to measure personal growth and promotes the physical, mental and social development of the participants. Families are strengthened and the broader community benefits from seeing these athletes grow and participate in sports activities.

SOWH’s activities include basketball, softball, T-ball, track & field, swimming, power lifting, soccer and Bocce. All activities take place in an environment that promotes equality, respect and acceptance.

The Athlete’s Oath of Special Olympics is: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” This oath signifies the importance of competition, personal effort and good sportsmanship.

The monies raised from the Project Compassion fundraiser will go toward supporting the Special Olympics West Hawaii’s programs and mission. This includes providing funds for transportation, uniforms and equipment.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy a meal and support a wonderful local organization on August 16 at Denny’s. Reservations are not required.

For more information about Special Olympics West Hawaii, contact David Ross at 808-345-1344 or by email at sowhdave@yahoo.com. Also learn more about SOWH programs online at www.sowh.org.

To learn more  about the the Rotary Club of Kona’s Project Compassion, send an e-mail to Sue McConnel, who can be reached at samcconnel@aol.com.

MEDIA RELEASE

Kona’s ‘Project Compassion’ to serve up Denny’s dinners to support newborn baskets for Big Island babies

6,000 babies … and counting. That’s how many Hawaii Island infants have received an absolutely free newborn basket within 24 hours of birth at a Big Island hospital over the past 5 years.

The newborn baskets, part of the “Baby Steps To Stronger Big Island Families” program, are meant to welcome infants into the world and provide research-based “tools” to help each child and his or her family receive the best possible start to family life.

Supported by grants, private donations and thousands of volunteer hours, the project started in December 2004 as a response to Mayor Harry Kim’s community-driven “Kick ICE” initiative.

The community is invited for dinner between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday, July 12 at Denny’s Restaurant in Kailua-Kona to support the newborn basket project through “Project Compassion,” a partnership between the Rotary Club of Kona, Denny’s and local charities to provide financial support to non-profit organizations working in the community.

Denny’s will donate 20 percent of all dinner bills and 100 percecnt of all tips to “Baby Steps To Stronger Big Island Families” newborn basket project.

The baskets most notably include a $30 Snugli (a front-pack baby carrier), which is very handy for carrying an infant hands-free.  But, more than a nice thought or helpful convenience, the contents of the gift basket are based on research showing use of a Snugli promotes a caring, safe, bonded relationship between an infant and his or her family.

These stronger first relationships significantly define and enhance a newborn’s relationships throughout life. Better relationships equate to higher self esteem, which experts agree help with making better choices throughout life.

Newborn baskets also include baby’s first book, useful information for new moms such as SIDS prevention, how to install car seats, and a comprehensive Resource Directory to help anxious new families connect with services in their community.

“Newborn baskets have been a huge hit all over the island because they are such a lovely way for the community to celebrate the birth of a new child,” said Angela Thomas, who has led the project from its inception.

But presenting every new mom with a lovely gift is really just the tip of the iceberg. Because of solid research about the significant value of attachment to infant development, our project has been supported by many public and private partners – from KTA SuperStores to the state Legislature to Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona to Kamehameha Schools and many more, including nearly a hundred volunteers who have spent more than 5,000 unpaid hours assembling baskets for our island’s three major hospitals.

Waiting on customers during Denny’s “Project Compassion” will be a cadre of VIP “wait help” including LAVA105FM’s Sherry Bracken, Susan Maddox of Friends of the Future and North Hawaii Rotary’s newly installed President, Family Support Services of West Hawai’i’s JoAnn Bishop Freed, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce’s Bill Sanborn and Vivian Landrum, PATCH’s Gail Judd, Hawaii Community Foundation’s Diane Chadwick and several surprise guests.

No reservations are needed for Denny’s “Project Compassion” dinner. For information about “Baby Steps To Stronger Big Island Families, call Angela Thomas (808) 990-6754.

The next Project Compassion is coming up March 8.  

In addition to Big Island Toyota and HMSA, the Rotary Club of Kona is sponsoring Kealakehe Project Grad at this event.  Former Councilman Angel Pilago and his wife Nita will be among the servers.

Project Compassion is a partnership between Denny’s Restaurant, the Rotary Club of Kona and local charities, to provide support to non-profit organizations in the Big Island community.

Upcoming events include:

April 19: Family Support Services West Hawaii

May 17: West Hawaii Mediation Center

June: Three Ring Ranch

July: The Big Island Good Beginnings Alliance: Baby Steps Program

August: Special Olympics

Volunteers for Project Compassion at Denny's. Photos by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.org

Karin Stanton/Hawaii247.org Contributing Editor

Firefighters, Kealakehe Neighborhood Watch board members and the Konawaena High School girls’ basketball team served their community in a whole new way Sunday evening.

Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira also stopped by Denny’s restaurant in Kona to make sure 15 of the Big Island’s firefighters were making sure the Grand Slamwiches and B.LT.s were delivered to the right tables and coffee cups were kept full.

The evening, part of Project Compassion, was a benefit for Kailua-Kona paramedic Greg Cameron, who is battling cancer. Kealakehe Neighborhood Watch reported the evening netted $2,100 for the Greg Cameron Medical Fund.

Fire Inspector Gantry Andrade waits on a table at Denny's for the Project Compassion fundraiser for a fellow firefighter.

“He’s in good spirits and thankful that everyone is coming out for him,” said Fire Inspector Gantry Andrade. “Every penny counts.”

 All the tips and 20 percent of each bill between 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. were earmarked to help Cameron’s family meet medical expenses. 

Andrade said the firefighters felt a little out of their depth taking meal orders and carrying loaded trays.

“It makes you appreciate your job a little more. It’s hard here,” Andrade said. “We got our training at 3:55 p.m. and initially we had workers shadow us. My first table, I messed it up. I had sweat beads running down my face.”

By 8 p.m., Andrade and his colleagues were old pros at slinging plates and sodas, although they were eager to return to the fire station and resume their “real” jobs.

Andrade said the firefighters still are fundraising for Cameron. For further information on how to help, e-mail Andrade at gandrade@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Also chipping in were 10 members of the BIIF Division I championship Konawaeana girls basketball team. The girls previously had helped out at a breast cancer fundraiser and were happy to take time out their preparations for this week’s state tournament.

The Wildcats leave for Oahu on Tuesday with their first game scheduled for Wednesday, 5 p.m. at Kaimuki High School. Konawaena is seeded second behind Punahou and will play against the winner of the first round game between Baldwin and Moanalua. Full HHSAA tournament schedule here.

Project Compassion lands again 4-9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 at Denny’s Restaurant in Kona. During those hours, 20 percent of the dinner bill and 100 percent of the tips will be donated to the Kealakehe Neighborhood Watch Program.

County of Hawaii Fire Department personnel (in uniform) will be the majority of the servers, along with a smaller number of KNW Board members. KNW is contributing all monies raised on Feb. 22 to the Greg Cameron Medical Fund, a paramedic recently diagnosed with cancer.

The donations are part of Project Compassion, which is a partnership between Denny’s Restaurant, the Rotary Club of Kona and local charities, to provide support to non-profit organizations in our community.

Every month Project Compassion will be holding these fundraisers at Denny’s. Upcoming events include:

• February 22: Kealakehe Neighborhood Watch with Hawaii County Fire Dept. helping to serve
• March 8: Kealakehe High School Project Grad
• April 19: Family Support Services West Hawaii
• May 17: West Hawaii Mediation Center
• June 7 or 28: Three Ring Ranch
• July: The Big Island Good Beginnings Alliance: Baby Steps Program
• August: Special Olympics

Karin Stanton/Hawaii247.org Contributing Editor

Have some compassion. Go to Denny’s. Just don’t order double bacon on that cheeseburger or extra chili with your fries … the doctor really is in the house.

The restaurant is teaming with Rotary Club of Kona to host Project Compassion, a benefit for the West Hawaii Community Health Center.

And state Sen. Josh Green will be among those serving meals 3-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18 at Denny’s.

He’s promised to talk story with his customers, which means your root beer float might take longer than usual …

“The West Hawaii Community Health Center is a critical member of Hawaii’s health care safety net and in these tough economic times needs our support more than ever,” said Green, an emergency room physician. “They care for our families, many uninsured children and people who might be down on their luck. The health center never turns anyone away.”

For those unable to attend, tax deductible donations may be sent to:

West Hawaii Community Health Center
c/o Richard Taaffe, CEO
75-5751 Kuakini Highway Suite 203
Kailua-Kona HI, 96740