WAIKOLOA — With three big community events sponsored by Friends of the Library — Waikoloa Region (FL-WR) each fall, it’s hard to believe it is the only town in North Hawaii without a library. But devoted residents host fundraisers to encourage the love of books and learning in their community regardless.
Early next Saturday morning, the 7th annual 5K Walk/Run for Literacy will start at Waikoloa School with registration at 6:15 a.m. and the race at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $10 for children 12 and under, $20 for adults who register online and $30 for adults on race day. Keiki in strollers are free. Medals will be awarded for first place in 13 different age groups and female and male categories, as well as overall.
Shortly after the race begins, a silent auction and health fair will open at 8 a.m. in the school cafeteria. FL-WR will offer bidding on more than 45 auction items, including a quilt made by the Waikoloa Sew N Sews quilting group. Other items will include helicopter rides, cruise/snorkel trips, jewelry and computer help. The silent auction will continue until 11 a.m., with checkout from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The health fair will include 20 practitioners sharing information on their various specialties and screenings for concerns such as bone density and cholesterol. Massage therapists will provide free mini massages, and flu shots will be available with insurance. Tai chi and yoga instructors will demonstrate and encourage attendees to participate.
Proceeds from all three events will go toward FL-WR’s continued services in the Waikoloa Region.
“The funds we garner are used to support our outreach efforts to encourage improved literacy or the love of reading,” said Bette Green, co-chair of FL-WR’s Special Events Committee. “We are the focal point to demonstrate community support for a library. Representative Evans and Senator Inouye are working with the State to provide a library in our region for the burgeoning population here.”
In the meantime, a transitional bookmobile is in operation 9 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week to make learning resources available locally for people of all reading levels and interests. FL-WR also supports or sponsors the islandwide Newbery Quiz Bowl, automotive mechanics technology scholarships, Baby’s First Book project, e-book readers for schools and the latest information on the Hawaii state library.
Fundraising support goes beyond individual residents. 2016 sponsors for the 5K event include Hawaii Water Service Co., Rep. Cindy Evans, Sen. Inouye, Waikoloa Village Homeowners Association, The Emily T. Gail Show, Aina Le’a, Chevron, Alexander &Baldwin, Inc., Under the Bodhi Tree, Lava 105.3, KAPA, Hawaii’s Big Island Television, Castle &Cooke, Vivian Green and Steve Jarvis, and Klaus and Renate Weinhold.
To pre-register for the 5K Walk/Run go to www.flwr-runforliteracy.com/2016
Info: Contact Bette at 747- 2839 or 883-0764