Efforts by a Hawaii restaurant chain to raise money for four 'Ewa Beach children whose parents were slain in a murder-suicide last month, have surpassed the $6,500 mark, according to a news release from Big City Diner.

Company officials said they continue to receive donations to help Blayne, Brelyn, Bronlyn and Brenna Dikito. A $1,000 check was received Thursday from Hilo resident Wade Tanaka, according to the news release.

Police have said Domingo Dikito shot his wife, Della, April 25 then himself in their home. The surviving children range in age from 8 to 18.

"We continue to receive donations in the mail and from guests making donations at our locations after hearing about the effort," said Walter Enriquez Jr., corporate director of human resources.

The donated money is being turned over directly to the four children to help them pay their $2,600 monthly mortgage, meet utility expenses, buy food and pay daily expenses.

Big City Diner also enlisted the support of Verizon Wireless, which donated four cell phones for the children to communicate with each other, other family members and counselors.

Continued donations are encouraged, company officials said. For more information visit website www.bigcitydinerhawaii.com or drop off checks at any Big City Diner location, made payable to Blayne Dikito. Checks may also be mailed to the Big City Diner Corporate Office at 94-800 Ukee St., Waipahu, HI 96797.