December News: Celebrating Community & Giving Back
The proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” rings true, as the well-being of our keiki depends on the collective effort of our entire community. Kaua’i is fortunate to have many nonprofit organizations and volunteers who are dedicated to improving the quality of life of our island, and we give them a big mahalo for all that they do.
This December, Grove Farm Foundation is proud to support the Kauaʻi Police Activities League, Child & Family Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kaua‘i, Kauaʻi Veterans Center, and Kauaʻi Hospice. We are grateful for the opportunity to give back to our community and continue to think of ways to build a brighter future.
K-PAL Invests in Our Keiki
The mission of the Kaua’i Police Activities League (K-PAL) is to uplift youth and foster a community where every child can develop character, self-discipline, and positive lifestyles. K-PAL also strives to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community.
On a typical weekday afternoon, the K-PAL gym is filled with activities. K-PAL offers a wide range of activities and positive role models to promote good behavior and help youth reach their full potential. Their programs include flag football, boxing, jiu jitsu, wrestling, pickleball, basketball, futsal, track & field, physical fitness, and the Junior Police Program.
Recently, Kaua‘i’s youth learned the basics of boxing as demonstrated by Hina Umu. Additionally, K-PAL’s Jiu-Jitsu program is taking place at the Hanapēpē Armory.
The Grove Farm Foundation is pleased to support K-PAL with a $10,000 grant awarded over the next two years.
Thank you to KPD’s mentorship and coaching, and to the K-PAL Board for all they do for our keiki.
Pickleball Community Comes Together for Child & Family Service
For 126 years, Child & Family Service (CFS) has been a champion for Hawai‘i’s families. Through multiple programs on Kauaʻi, CFS’ impact on Kauaʻi is tremendous, helping to strengthen families and foster the healthy development of children. Their statewide support, counseling, and therapeutic programs help individuals and families heal from trauma, prevent abuse and neglect, and break the cycle of generational poverty.
We recently had the opportunity to meet longtime CFS supporters, Mark and Eddie, who organized a pickleball tournament to benefit CFS. Their belief in CFS’ mission and their enthusiasm for pickleball made for a perfect pairing.
Their first annual Kauaʻi Pickleball Tournament of HOPE was a three-day, sold-out event held from November 14-16 at the Kaua‘i Community College courts. The Grove Farm Foundation was pleased to support this innovative fundraiser. Thanks to the generous contributions from the community, CFS raised 120% of its goal – more than $60,000 in total. Mahalo, Mark and Eddie, for sharing your enthusiasm and helping to uplift Kauaʻi families!
Big Brothers Big Sisters Showcases Culinary Excellence for a Cause
Big Brothers Big Sisters was founded more than 60 years ago, and their mission is to build and support one-to-one relationships to ignite the biggest possible futures for Hawai‘i’s youth. Chef extraordinaire and a friend to all, Mark Oyama, and the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kaua‘i recently put on a fabulous wine and food pairing event to raise funds for the organization. The event was held at the Kaua‘i Poke Company at the Po‘ipū Bay Golf Course, where chefs from the continent, neighbor islands, and Kaua‘i created unique dishes that were paired with exquisite wine selections.
Grove Farm sponsored the event, helping to build a strong foundation for our youth to reach their full potential. The funds raised at this gala will benefit the program on Kaua‘i.
Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters
Helping to Preserve a Community for Our Veterans
The Kaua‘i Veterans Center honors our veterans and their service to our country by providing a gathering place for our military community and veterans organizations. It is also open to the broader community, where many events are held -- from wedding receptions and first birthdays to graduation parties, cultural festivals, and celebrations of life.
Commander Mary Kay Hertog recently shared with us that the restrooms were being renovated. Much like our donation to the adjoining Grove Farm Museum when remodeling work was being done, the Grove Farm Foundation stepped up to contribute.
Grove Farm has committed a gift of $10,000 over the next two years for the renovation of the Kauaʻi Veterans Center.
“This building was constructed in 1992, and there are many ongoing maintenance projects," said Commander Hertog. “The help from the Grove Farm Foundation will defray the cost of the restroom renovations, freeing up internal funds to go towards replacing the hardware for our doors — a cost of. That’s about $7,000 for each door!”
Learn more about the Kauaʻi Veterans Center
Supporting Those Who Care: Kaua‘i Hospice
Kaua‘i Hospice has provided compassionate end-of-life care for patients and their loved ones for more than 40 years. Their mission, “A Special Kind of Caring,” is truly exemplified by the team at Kaua‘i Hospice. At life’s most difficult moments, it is their caring and empathetic team who are there for our local families.
Tricia Yamashita, Executive Director of Kaua‘i Hospice, has been with the organization for 15 years. Over the years, Tricia has seen the evolution of services provided.
“Palliative care is also a focus of Kaua‘i Hospice, where we provide support for individuals facing serious illnesses,” said Yamashita.“The goal is to enhance the quality of life for both the patient and their family.”
To thank Kauaʻi Hospice for their unwavering support for our community, the Grove Farm Foundation has donated $5,000 to help continue hospice care services.
