Posted on: Saturday, November 17, 2001

The September 11th attack
Islanders asked to redirect generosity to local agencies

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Hawai'i Community Foundation is closing its September 11th Fund collection sites and asking residents to start giving to local nonprofit agencies.

More than $826,000 was given to the fund by nearly 6,000 Hawai'i residents and organizations.

"Hawai'i has always had a tradition of charitable giving," said Kelvin Taketa, president and chief executive officer of the Hawai'i Community Foundation. "But the level of support that residents and businesses showed through contributions to the September 11th Fund was extraordinary. We want to thank Hawai'i's people and businesses."

Taketa said he thought the time had come for people to direct their generosity toward local agencies, "not only because we're seeing an increase in demand because of the economic situation, but also because I think we are seeing an increase in the need to feel connected to one another."

He cited as evidence increased participation in group events from church services to evenings at the symphony.

Taketa said he thought it was important to define charity broadly, to include churches, sports leagues, hula halau, art shows and other cultural organizations. There are times when "the soccer match must go on," he said.

Of the money collected locally for the September 11th Fund, 90 percent will go to the national fund in New York City. The remaining 10 percent will be given to local families who suffered losses in the attacks.

Nationally, more than $600 million has been raised for the victims and families.