The Hawai'i High School Athletic Association's "SOS" (Save Our Sports) campaign to assist public schools has received a big boost from a private school source.

Parents and players from Saint Louis' football program presented HHSAA executive director Keith Amemiya with a check for $1,500 Tuesday, from money collected at their past couple games.

The contribution will go toward the SOS fund designed to help offset recent budget cuts that reduced public school athletic budgets to less than 64 percent of their 2008-2009 allocations.

"This was all voluntary, they took it upon themselves to help," Crusaders coach John Hao said. "They feel that everybody should have the opportunity to play high school sports."

Hao said after the varsity and JV teams' successful participation in an Aloha 'Aina Earth Day community cleanup and recycling drive on Aug. 22, some parents were "overwhelmed" by the positive effects and wanted to keep the momentum going with another project.

Spearheaded by the mothers of receiver Joshua Tupua, defensive lineman Moses Samia, running back Emmett McShane and defensive back Elijah McShane, parents and players encouraged each other to contribute what they could.

"This was initiated by our parents, hopefully to set an example for their sons," said athletic director Ulima Afoa. "A lot of them have other kids in public schools, and they see (the budget cuts) as a community problem. It's for a greater cause."

Amemiya said he was impressed with the sincerity of the gesture.

"The amount ($1,500) is nice, but to me it's the thought and the effort that is even more meaningful," Amemiya said. "It's just been one pleasant surprise after another."

The latest contributions bring the six-week total to about $733,059.

To contribute, make a check payable to "HHSAA SOS Account" and send it to HHSAA, P.O. Box 62029, Honolulu, HI 96839, or visit www.sportshigh.com or any First Hawaiian Bank branch (checks only). Contributors at First Hawaiian Bank branches who are willing to be recognized are asked to contact the HHSAA office at 587-4495.

ON-LINE AUCTION FOR SOS: An online auction benefitting the SOS campaign will take place Oct. 5 to 9. So far, items that will be up for bid include Neighbor Island Castle Resort hotel stays, fan experiences at the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic and The Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl, a private performance by 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Group of the Year Holunape, Murphy's Bar and Grill certificates, and a season's pass to Hawai'i Speed and Quickness Clinics. To donate auction items, or for more details, call Chris Hart at 275-1047.