Charity walk pledges money to education
By James Gonser
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer
Photo courtesy Charity Walk
Come Saturday, the rubber is really going to hit the road as more than 10,000 people are expected to take part in the state's largest single-day fund-raiser taking place simultaneously on O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i and the Big Island — the Hawai'i Hotel & Lodging Association's 26th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk.
Participants warmed up at McCoy Pavilion before the start of last year's Visitor Industry Charity Walk.
Last year, 10,950 walkers raised $810,000 and helped more than 180 local charities.
"We are 'Walking for our Future' this year," said Ernest Nishizaki, chairman for the event and chief operating officer of Kyo-ya Co. "At least $100,000 of funds raised from this year's charity walk will be dedicated to benefit Hawai'i public education."
Since its inception in 1978, the walk has raised more than $14 million for local charities.
• Who: The Hawai'i Hotel & Lodging Association • What: The 26th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk • When: Saturday • Where: On O'ahu, the Big Island, Kaua'i and Maui. • Info: Call Tina Garcia at 923-0407 or visit www.charitywalk.org.
"While the majority of our charity walk funds will continue to be allocated toward social and civic community needs, we wanted to make a significant contribution toward the future of our state," said association president Murray Towill. "And that is the education of our students, our kids."
At a glance
Anyone can participate in the walk. On O'ahu and the Big Island, walkers donate a minimum of $35 for adults and $25 children to participate. Kaua'i's minimum is $30, and Maui has no minimum.
Walkers can register before the event or sign up at these sites:
- O'ahu: 7-mile walk starts at 6 a.m. at McCoy Pavilion in Ala Moana Beach Park.
- Big Island: 3.4-mile walk starts at 7 a.m. at the Old Airport Pavilion.
- Kaua'i: 2.9-mile walk starts at 7 a.m. at the Kaua'i Historic Building.
- Maui: 5-mile walks starts at 7 a.m. at the War Memorial Soccer Field.
The O'ahu walkers will pass through 17 checkpoints and be treated to food, games and entertainment along the way.
The walk "is all about sharing aloha with those who work hard every day to share Hawai'i," said the Rev. Wayne Cordeiro of New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu and an honorary chairman for the event. "What a wonderful time of 'ohana and celebrating aloha."
Reach James Gonser at jgonser@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2431.
• • •
| 2003 STATISTICS | ||
| Island | No. of walkers | Money raised |
| Big Island | 1,300 | $186,000 |
| Kaua'i | 1,550 | $96,392 |
| Maui | 800 | $249,500 |
| O'ahu | 7,300 | $278,108 |
| Totals | 10,950 | $810,000 |
