WAIKOLOA VILLAGE — Few of us are untouched by cancer. When the news strikes, it’s good to have a “village” of family and friends who will support in a big way.
When Elton Goo was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer recently, his supporters rallied together to create the “Chip Away at Cancer” golf tournament fundraiser for him. It will be taking place at 11 a.m. on Dec. 4 at Hapuna Golf Course.
Goo was restaurant manager for Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa for eight years. He and wife Maeva have been married for 31 years and have two grown children, Vehia and Lesly. Maeva is leader of the dance troupe Tahiti Toa, and founder of the first Tahitian dance competition in Tokyo. Goo retired six months ago, and recently they moved back to Oahu, where he was born and raised.
Earlier this month, Goo received a little good news in a difficult time when his doctors advised that he’s one of the 5 percent of patients who can take chemotherapy in pill form. The medication, however, is extremely expensive, thousands of dollars per month out of pocket.
The disease has made it difficult for him to speak at times. To answer questions, friend and event organizer Eric Hanano helped via text.
“All proceeds are going to help Elton fight cancer,” he said.
Hanano and many other friends of Goo are pitching in to create an exciting event that will help significantly.
“Chef Peter Abarcar at Hapuna, Jayson Kanekoa at Waikoloa Beach Marriott, Ippy Aiona at Three Fat Pigs, Alan Hess of Mai Grille, Tropics Ale House, Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill and Sansei Seafood, Steak and Sushi Bar are all helping out in some way,” he said. “Lava Lava Beach Club is donating a bungalow for Elton to stay in.”
The two-man scramble tourney will feature six food booths, cocktail stations and DJs providing music at the first hole and between #9 and #10. Entry fees are $140 per player.
“We’ll also have mulligans and strings for sale, a silent auction and lucky number tickets,” said Hanano.
Golfers who purchase a string can use it on the green. If a putt lies within the string’s length, it’s good. That length is cut off the string, which grows shorter each time it’s used.
Goo’s supporters are also planning a four-course whiskey dinner by Chef Peter Abarcar to follow the golf tournament at Arnie’s restaurant. Tickets for the dinner are $100 per person.
Info and to RSVP: Contact Eric Hanano at 937-8238 or ehanano@youngsmarket.com