Posted on: Tuesday, November 9, 2004
Yule event aids child-abuse prevention
Advertiser Staff
Families are invited to join Santa Claus and his friends at Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii's 18th annual Breakfast with Santa fund-raiser, Dec. 11 and 12 at the Japanese Cultural Center.
Advertiser library photo • Aug. 20, 1998 Costumed characters joining Santa include Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Elmo, Barney, Dalmatian, Taz, Bugs Bunny, Tweety and Sylvester.
"Here in the Islands, the holidays are generally a time for families to come together and celebrate, but unfortunately, it can also be a stressful time for many families," Justin Cruz, Breakfast with Santa co-chairman, said in a written release. "Breakfast with Santa is wholesome family entertainment that ultimately helps other families in our community. Our goal this year is to raise $40,000 for our child-abuse-prevention programs."
The number of confirmed child-abuse cases in Hawai'i has tripled over the past 20 years. As many as 40,000 to 50,000 children may be abused or neglected each year in Hawai'i, with only 10 percent reported to the state Child Welfare Services. Nationwide, more than a million children are abused and neglected each year, and three children die each day as a result of abuse.
For more on Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii, see www.preventchildabuse All proceeds go to Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii, a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent child abuse through education, public awareness, and advocacy for positive parenting and healthy families in which children are valued and loved.
For more information on tickets, reservations or sponsorship for "Breakfast with Santa," call 440-4613.
All seats are assigned on tables of 10, and seating is limited. All tickets are nonrefundable. The Japanese Cultural Center is located at 2454 S. Beretania St.
Two seatings are offered each day. Breakfast is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; lunch is from noon to 2 p.m. A donation of $17 per person is encouraged, and participants enjoy a served meal, photo with Santa, clowns, face painting, games and crafts, costumed characters, magicians and a Christmas gift. Entertainers will include Mike Wong, Ike Pono, Na Kama, the "world's fastest juggler" Greg Gabaylo, Tradewinds, Halau Hula O Nalei O Kamakani and Island Magic. Children younger than 2 are admitted for free.
Greg Gabaylo, billed as the "world's fastest juggler," is among the acts lined up for the 18th annual "Breakfast with Santa."
Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii invites people in the community not only to attend Breakfast with Santa, but to get into the spirit of giving early this year by becoming sponsors for children from abuse shelters. With the help of others, children who may not have much to smile about can experience the joys of Christmas.
Learn more
hawaii.org.
