PALOLO — Thanks to Wesley Fong, the Palolo Chinese Home's future is one of focused growth.

As president, Fong helped launch fundraising to renovate Lani Booth Building, which houses 15 nursing home residents and 30 daycare seniors, and to erect a building now under construction that will have 46 more beds, a wellness center and a kitchen.

Fong said his passion for the home comes from his parents, who needed a safe haven to live out their remaining days.

"My mom always said to give back. It's a philosophy that I've kept with me," said Fong, 55.

For his contributions, Fong is one of five Jefferson Award winners who will be honored on April 2.

Fong, an attorney, is president of Mun Lun Language School, vice chairman of the Liliha/'Alewa/Pu'unui/Kamehameha Heights Neighborhood Board, and vice president of the Hawai'i Technology Institute.

He also served 30 years in the Army, a decorated career that began in Vietnam and ended as a staff judge advocate.

"I started off with the home volunteering on Heritage Campaign Committee and before I knew it, I was deeply involved," Fong said. "I had people from all over handing me checks, some for $20 and others for $1,000 from an old lady who gave it to me at a picnic.

"That makes me feel good when I see the community at large believing in our Palolo Chinese Home."

Darlene Nakayama, the home's administrator who nominated Fong, said it was a no-brainer when she read the description of a Jefferson Award unsung hero.

"He is such a down-to-earth, genuine man," she said. "He's so deserving of the award. He has a passion for the elderly, not just the Palolo Chinese Home."