"We are honored and exited to be able to reach out to these kids and their families," said Sunset Rotary President Samir El-Swaify. "With the guidance of our community service director Glen Bailey, we hope to brighten the New Year for these children."

The Project Next Step shelter is in a warehouse off Forrest Avenue. It opened May 1, 2006, to provide shelter for about 300 individuals on a regular basis – including 90 children (nine of whom have birthdays in January). The birthday celebration is expected to be attended by approximately 200 people (80 children and 120 parents and relatives). The highlight of the party will be a Magic Show performed by professional magician, Glen Bailey.

The Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset will supply birthday cake, ice cream, and gifts for all the children and will also donate much needed tables and chairs to the facility, as well as other amenities to the shelter residents.

"We take Rotary's motto, Service Above Self, very seriously," Bailey said. "We are trying to embody that motto through our support of this effort, and the many other community services our club provides. Besides, everybody loves a birthday party."

For additional information or to donate, contact Glen Bailey at 488-5162 or e-mail: baileyg001@hawaii.rr.com.

Note: The Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset was chartered Dec. 15, 1995 and meets on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Waikiki Yacht Club. Honolulu Sunset has been Rotary District 5000's Club of the Year for 7 of the past 11 years. www.honolulusunsetrotary.com