The Hawai'i High School Athletic Association's "SOS" (Save Our Sports) campaign has now surpassed the $700,000 mark after another strong week of contributions, large and small.

This past week's gifts include $10,000 from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1186 and Unionized Electrical Contractors, and the same amount from Royal Contracting Co., Ltd. The contributions also include $1,700 from Menchie's Frozen Yogurt and $1,500 from Big Island Candies.

More than $10,000 also came from over 100 individual donors, along with those who contributed through First Hawaiian Bank branches in amounts ranging from $1 to $5,000 since Aug. 3.

(Names of those who made their contributions at First Hawaiian Bank branches were not released; those who made their gifts through FHB branches and are willing to be recognized are asked to contact the HHSAA office at 587-4495.)

The latest contributions bring the total amount raised to $702,161 after four weeks. All money will go toward offsetting state budget cuts that left public high school athletic programs looking at more than a 36 percent shortfall for the 2009-2010 year, compared to 2008-2009 allocations.

"We have a lot of members who grew up in sports," said Damien Kim, financial secretary and business manager for IBEW Local 1186. "One of our members approached us and we decided it was a good cause. It's important to help keep the kids in school by giving them activities to participate in."

Menchie's donated $1 from every cup of yogurt sold at their Town Center of Mililani store's grand opening last Saturday.

Co-owners Kelly Hiraki and Erica Miyabara are recent former Punahou athletes.

"We both played sports in high school — I played soccer and Erica played softball — and we wanted to get involved (with the SOS campaign)," Hiraki said. "Part of the Menchie's philosophy is giving back to the community."

Individual contributions included $300 in memory of longtime Castle baseball coach Joe Tom, who died last year at age 52.

To contribute, make a check payable to "HHSAA SOS Account" and send it to HHSAA, P.O. Box 62029, Honolulu, HI 96839.

Contributions also can be made by going to www.sportshigh.com or at First Hawaiian Bank branches (checks only).