The McInerny Foundation will present one of the biggest contributions yet to the Hawai'i High School Athletic Association's SOS Fund today, HHSAA executive director Keith Amemiya told The Advertiser.

The "SOS" (Save Our Sports) campaign was set up July 28 to help public school athletic departments offset a 36 percent-plus reduction in their state allocations compared to 2008-2009. So far, the fund has received about $875,000 in contributions, including $250,000 from the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation and $100,000 from First Hawaiian Bank, as well as tens of thousands of dollars from individuals and small businesses.

Today's presentation will be made at a private ceremony, Amemiya said.

All money collected through the SOS Fund will be turned over to the state's Department of Education, which in turn will distribute it to Hawai'i's 55 public high school athletic departments according to a set formula based on size of programs and student participation.

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).