EDITORIAL
Volunteers are the key to community health
Perhaps more than most states, Hawai'i is a place where government is expected to solve all our problems.
This mindset is understandable in a way. We have a strong system of centralized government and we are a young state, where many remember when government — by rights — was expected to keep society on an even keel.
But that only goes so far. A society truly thrives when its members give something back for the larger good. This work, which goes on day by day, is often less recognized or honored than the efforts of public officials and public entities.
As a small effort to balance that picture, the Aloha Chapter of Fundraising Professionals today celebrates something called National Philanthropy Day, honoring those who volunteer their time and money to make their community better.
In addition to the philanthropy honorees, an awards and recognition luncheon today will honor six Jefferson Awards winners, individuals who have demonstrated exceptional and often under-recognized public service. The Jefferson Awards, which can lead to national recognition, are sponsored by The Advertiser.
The Jefferson Awards winners this year are:
• Carolyn Berry, chairwoman of the board of the Honolulu Symphony and an active fund-raiser and promoter of local scholarship programs.
• Frank Boas, an international lawyer who has devoted large amounts of time and energy to the educational and cultural exchange programs.
• Dr. Ralph Hook Jr., a former dean of the UH College of Business Administration, who is an ardent supporter of the Waikiki Health Center and the Samaritan Counseling Center of Hawai'i, among many other interests.
• P. Nathan Minn, a tireless supporter of the Friends of the Cancer Research Center of Hawai'i, whose annual Mauka Makai benefit has raised more than $200,000 for the center.
• Noel Trainor, general manager of the Hilton Hawaiian Village and one of the most active and valued supporters of the Food Bank of Hawai'i, where he serves as vice chairman.
• Dr. Robert Wilkinson, a pediatric oncologist whose many community volunteer efforts are highlighted by his work as founder of the Hawai'i Children's Cancer Foundation.
In addition to the Jefferson winners, the philanthropy honorees will include Dorvin and Betty Leis, outstanding philanthropist; HMSA, outstanding corporation; Ghaham Builders, outstanding small business; William Gleason, outstanding volunteer fund-raiser; Dr. Ko Miyataki, outstanding fund-raising professional; and Maude Wodehouse and Robert Pfeiffer in memoriam.
These folks, and thousands of unsung others, are truly what makes Hawai'i work. Congratulations.
