Fundraiser Pushes Kauai United Way to 95% of Increased Goal »»

The ballroom of the recently renovated St. Regis Princeville Resort was the site of a fundraising event to move Kauai United Way closer to its Campaign goal at a time when fundraising is especially difficult. The Galliard String Quartet and Friends, all principals of the Honolulu Symphony, performed chamber music by Rachmaninoff, Ginastera, Pergolesi and Mozart among others. Guests also enjoyed cocktails and pupus accompanied by Kauai musicians Loren Kayfetz, Kaycee Parker, Dennis Haack and Paul Olson playing Mozart Flute Quartets and classical pianist Chad Deal. The event was sponsored by Personal Financial Consultants with additional support from the St. Regis Princeville Resort.

In addition to a two year pledge of 50% of their new Kauai client revenue, Personal Financial has helped KUW raise $19,000 towards the current goal. Company owners Loren Kayfetz and Pat Pannell, said, ?We decided a year ago to combine our love of fine music with a deep concern for the community. We know how hard it has been for so many individuals and families here on Kauai. So we felt this was one of the best ways to meet both objectives.?

Kathy Miyake won the grand prize in a drawing: a trip for two to the San Francisco Symphony. Second prize ? a weekend stay at the St. Regis Princeville Resort ? was won by Joan Yamaguchi.

Sponsors wish to thank:

? AEG Facilities
? Bob Newman, Chief Operating Officer
? Charlie Lorenson
? Debra Blachowiak
? Doug Sears, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
? Grand Hyatt New York
? Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Los Angeles
? Hyatt Regency San Francisco
? KKCR
? Kauai Chamber of Commerce
? Kauai?s Hindu Temple
? Kauai Marriott Resort & Spa
? Maureen & Vince Tabura
? Mayor Bernard Carvalho
? Pat Pannell & Loren Kayfetz,
Personal Financial Consultants
? Patrice Pendarvis
? St. Regis Princeville Resort
? Steve & Kathy Kyono
? Ron Wiley & KONG Radio
? Wally Johnson

Kauai United Way raised its goal in the 2009 Annual Campaign in recognition of the increasing need in our community due to the economic recession. With many former donors who had been giving via payroll deduction out of work ? and in need of social services themselves ? the Campaign has been a challenge. Many Kauai people responded with special events to benefit Kauai United Way like this one including the grand opening of Merriman?s Kauai restaurant, the sale of cookbooks by the employees of Ace Hardware, the Poipu Kai tennis tournament, a rummage sale by Bank of Hawaii employees in Kapaa and a series of fundraisers sponsored by Personal Financial Consultants. In addition, some outstanding employee campaigns in relatively healthy businesses helped push Kauai United Way close to the goal. ?It?s not as much as we wanted,? executive director Scott Giarman said, ?but when you think about it, 95% of an increased goal in these economic conditions is pretty spectacular. As always, Kauai people respond to those in need.? The 2009 Campaign has been extended into the new year to get as close as possible to 100% but must close before the April 1st Annual Meeting where results are reported.