WAIMEA — While the annual Daniel R. Sayre Foundation annual fundraising events have brought in $1.75 million over the past 20 years, Waikii Ranch residents Hazel Aker and neighbors teamed up with the organization’s founders, Laura and Frank Sayre, last Saturday to host a new charity event for the same worthy cause.
“We were all inspired by the many good works that Laura and Frank Sayre have accomplished through the Sayre Foundation’s annual fundraiser over the years, and wanted to do something to help,” Aker said. “We thought that there might be an opportunity to hold a small companion event up here in the Waimea/Waikii community that would provide an opportunity for folks in our area to come together to support the foundation’s mission. It’s an effort to support a great cause that benefits us directly.”
“The Roundup At The Ranch” was a neighbor-to-neighbor effort to honor and support local firefighters, whose hard work and dedication help to protect our homes and communities. Proceeds from the event will help the Daniel R. Sayre Foundation support The Hawaii County Fire Department, including 9 Bravo Volunteer Fire Company’s need to build a new equipment garage.
The Waikii Ranch community’s own volunteer fire department, 9 Alpha, has worked in partnership with the 9 Bravo team on many occasions to assist the Waimea Fire Department in battling fires throughout the region. 9 Bravo is also supported by Anekona Ouli Kanehoa VFD Co.
“I represent a public charity we call “AOK VFD,” said volunteer Guido Giacometti. “We have as a single mission: to support 9 Bravo. It was started by a neighbor in 2007 and has become a trained and active volunteer company in support of our County Fire Department. Our area is at risk from wildfires, and 9 Bravo has been very valuable in fighting fires. They were a part of the team that controlled last week’s big fire on DHHL and Parker Ranch land. Fortunately, that fire was stopped at Mamalahoa, and did not threaten Waikoloa Village.”
AOK was formed in 2011, and with donations and grants has purchased equipment and a military truck for firefighting. They have worked to develop a permanent facility for 9 Bravo equipment. A site, permits and most of the funds needed to complete a “Volunteer Apparatus Garage” have been secured. Construction began last December.
More than 100 people attended Saturday’s Waikii Ranch event. Funds raised came from tickets and silent and live auctions.