Posted on: Wednesday, September 1, 2004
Adopt a gecko to help a worthy cause
By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer
Before dozens of five-foot-long geckos invade the streets of Honolulu next month, the fiberglass creations have one stop to make: the Hawai'i State Art Museum's lawn.
Patti Almirez The Geckos in Paradise project is a charity event and art exhibition organized by Kapi'olani Health Foundation, the fund-raising arm of Kapi'olani Medical Center. The foundation's goal is to raise $250,000 — mainly through solicited sponsorships for each gecko — which will go to the Kapi'olani Breast Center.
"We have had a tremendous response from both the art community and supporters of the hospital ... and that's been exciting for us all," said event coordinator Stacey Acma.
The geckos will be displayed individually around Waikiki and downtown throughout October in recognition of national Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8174.
The unveiling takes place Sept. 26 at the museum during a Geckos in Paradise fund-raiser (see box). The geckos will be on display for the general public Sept. 27 through Oct. 1.
Bernice Akamine created the "Red-winged, Gold-chested Gecko."
Artists including Jinja Kim, Jeff Langcaon and Conan Smith have volunteered their talents to the project; 50 geckos have been decorated and about a dozen still need to be adopted. Sponsorship levels begin at $5,000.
Geckos in Paradise fund-raiser
