Yoshimura is among hundreds of local volunteers hidden away in every workplace and neighborhood, many of whom find creative ways to support causes personally important to them. His cause is the Hawai'i affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education, screening and treatment.

Yoshimura — whose wife, Corie, is a breast cancer survivor — started his Cruise Night car show three years ago at the gas station where he works. Yoshimura and a group of volunteers sold food, drinks and raffle tickets for donated prizes, including gift certificates for gas, tools and DVD players.

Cruise Night raised nearly $1,000 for the foundation its first year and about $1,800 last year. Yoshimura is planning another event this summer, hoping to surpass the previous totals.

"He did it a year after I was diagnosed and it was very touching," said Corie Yoshimura, 37, a pharmacist technician. "I was so proud of him."

The foundation does not receive federal funding and is driven strictly by private donations. While the Komen Hawai'i Race for the Cure is the organization's signature fund-raising event, it relies on everyday contributions from Hawai'i residents and businesses.

"These calls come in from the community from people with connections to cancer — either they're a survivor, a family member or friend, or just someone who hears about us — who want to help," said Jeanine Ogawa, president of the Hawai'i affiliate. "It's so heartwarming because it's unsolicited."

Designer Devra Wathen, 50, of Kahala, was among those unsolicited callers.

Owner of Jewel Box Gems and an annual corporate sponsor for the Hawai'i affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Wathen offered to design a necklace and donate proceeds from its sales to the organization.

"It's one way to continuously honor my mother and be thankful for the fact that she's still alive," said Wathen, whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer eight years ago.

Wathen's limited-edition creation, which she named The Cure Necklace, is made from a tear-drop mother of pearl shell and pink jade, and an awareness ribbon made of either pink satin, sterling silver, gold vermeil or 14 karat gold.

Prices start at $35, with $10 from every sale going to the cause. Wathen made 100 necklaces, hoping to raise $1,000 for the foundation.

Whether or not people choose to donate specifically to the foundation, Wathen said it's crucial for Hawai'i residents to find a cause — any cause — to believe in and support.

"It's important for everyone to have a passion and embrace something that helps fellow men, women and children," Wathen said. "This is what helps create a better community to live in."

Jo Ann Dillabaugh-Harris, with Cyré, 6, and Taja, 4. Macy's

THE HAWAI'I BONE MARROW DONOR REGISTRY • Phone: (808) 547-6154 • Toll-free: (877) HI-DONOR (443-6667) • www.stfrancishawaii.org (click on "services," then "oncology")

Dillabaugh-Harris, 35, is the mother of 6-year-old Cyré and 4-year-old Taja, who has been battling cancer since she was a newborn.

Taja was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 3 months old and went through more than a year of chemotherapy. Shortly before her second birthday, she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which was followed by another eight months of chemo. In November, Taja relapsed and is battling leukemia once again.

"It's very trying and emotional," Dillabaugh-Harris said. "It's something you never want to happen."

Since January, Dillabaugh-Harris has volunteered at a handful of recruitment drives, devoting up to eight hours each time talking to people about becoming a bone marrow donor.

"It's not only to find a match for our daughter, but also the others on the (Hawai'i) list," she said.

There are about five other Hawai'i residents, mostly children, waiting for a bone marrow match, Dillabaugh-Harris said.

Dillabaugh-Harris, a customer service supervisor at Macy's in Ala Moana Center, is one of two Macy's employees from Hawai'i featured in national and local Mother's Day advertisements for their commitment to their families and communities.

"Everyone should get involved in a cause in one way or another," Dillabaugh-Harris said. "It's fulfilling, not just for yourself, but for others."

Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8174.