Disability Advocates to meet
The nonprofit organization, Accessible Hawaii, is facilitating a new action-oriented group, Disability Advocates, that will use small teams of people with walking limitations to research the downtown Kailua-Kona area for public hazards, such as buckled asphalt, which can cause a sudden fall requiring emergency room care.
A fishing village that grew up overnight, Kailua-Kona came to be well before 1992, when the Americans with Disabilities Act created guidelines for safe streets and sidewalks. The act now guides city planners in removing barriers that make getting around a challenge for those with mobility issues.
Disability Advocates invites the Kona community to a free, public information get-together from 6-8 p.m. on Friday in the Mokuaikaua Church meeting area in Kailua Village. During the event, attendees will hear testimonies about injuries and long-term recovery.
Info: Contact Jean Hartley, director of Accessible Hawaii, at 896-8967 or jeanmhartley@gmail.com.
Fueling Dreams supports Special Olympics athletes
Par Hawaii is pumping up support for Special Olympics Hawaii through the annual Fueling Dreams campaign, which continues through Aug. 8.
Now in its 12th year, Fueling Dreams allows island drivers to make a donation to Special Olympics Hawaii at any one of 45 participating Hele, 76 and Tesoro stations throughout the state. All donations received provide opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to train and compete free of charge, including participating in the upcoming Holiday Classic, scheduled for Nov. 11-12.
As part of the campaign, Special Olympics Hawaii and Par Hawaii will give away three $500 gift cards. Those who donate $5 will receive one entry; those who donate $20 will receive five entries.
Info: Call 695-3533 or visit www.sohawaii.org.
Daniel R. Sayre Memorial annual fundraiser set
Tickets are now on sale for the 20th annual Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Annual Awards Dinner and Fundraiser set for Sept. 2 at The Fairmont Orchid.
The evening gets underway at 4:30 p.m. with the opening of the silent auction. The inclusive cost of each gourmet buffet dinner is $110 for adults; $58 per child up to the age of 12. Patrons may also choose to sponsor a dinner for a firefighter and/or spouse at a cost of $100 per person. The gala evening will include dinner, silent and live auctions, and dancing to the live music of Vizion 20/20. Registration is currently available online at www.danielsayrefoundation.org.
The Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation was created 20 years ago after Frank Sayre and Laura Mallery-Sayre lost their son in a hiking accident. It honors the dedication of Hawaii Island fire/rescue workers. Proceeds from the dinner and fundraiser will be used to purchase needed equipment and training for the County of Hawaii Fire Department that is not available to them through the county budget.
Over the years, the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Annual Awards Dinner and Fundraiser has raised more than $1.5 million to support the island’s fire/rescue and emergency response teams, including the ocean safety division.
This year, the foundation will honor the following Hawaii County Fire Department personnel, recommended from within the department for their meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty: Helicopter Pilot Paul Darryl, Fire Rescue Specialist Chad Chun Fat, Fire Rescue Specialist Jason Robello, Fire Rescue Specialist Mike Judd, Firefighter/EMT Shawn Watson, Firefighter Michael Masuda, Rescue Watercraft Operator Paul Tucker, Rescue Watercraft Operator Robin Fasciano and Water Safety Officer II John Kapsky. Hearing the stories surrounding the honorees is a highlight of the evening.
Info: www.danielsayrefoundation.org.