Aloha Friend of Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai'i,
In April, like every month, there were so many occasions to celebrate all the good that is happening across the islands! One of my favorite highlights was celebrating Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kauai's 10th anniversary, alongside many key people who have supported us through this life-giving journey.
Looking back 55 years ago, when we first sprouted on O‘ahu as "Big Brothers of Hawai‘i", it is miraculous to see how much we have expanded and flourished. From the very first match being made between my Big Brother, Henry, and I, to having served a countless amount of children and volunteers to date.
Here's to many more years to come and many more lives to change, "for the better, forever"!
With gratitude and aloha,
Dennis Brown
President / CEO
(and Hawaii's first "Little Brother")
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"What sets Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i apart is the mentorship aspect of its programs: the one-on-one nature of the relationships between Bigs and Littles allows them to connect on a more meaningful level, and fosters positive impact that is rewarding and lasting for them both. Match Makers allows me to support the matching program despite being unable to currently serve as a Big myself. It’s a way I can make a small difference now, with hopes that I can participate directly in the match activities and programs in the future."
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April is Tsunami Awareness month and our Bigs and Littles participated in informational sessions with Dave Carvalho from the Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes. Our matches really enjoyed the interactive presentations and getting to learn more about earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis. Pictured above is Uncle Dave demonstrating how lava flows can impact the island communities. |
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Mahalo to Aunty Kodi of Hawaii Island Art Parties and Friends of Hawaii Charities for your expertise and support, allowing our Konawaena participants to “Paint & Snack”. Our budding artists did a fantastic job on their bubble paintings and had such a fun time! |
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Mark's Place celebrated their 20th anniversary benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kaua‘i. It was a beautiful evening with 300 in attendance featuring famed chefs Alan Wong, Vikram Garg and Kevin Nakata. Thank you to Mark & Wendy Oyama and everyone who came out in support of this successful celebration!
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kaua‘i participated in the 16th Annual Parent and Child STEPS Fair. Kapa’a Elementary School Littles shared hip hop dances to keep the crowd involved and we even had a special visit from Mayor Carvalho!
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui recently completed construction on a community garden, thanks to funding from The Monsanto Fund! The goal of this project was to build a garden at the Maui Mentor Center to provide a safe, nurturing space for children and families to learn about agriculture and food quality. Maui Mentor Center youth will have the opportunity to work in the garden and distribute picked fruit and vegetables. If you know someone who may be interested in volunteering bi-weekly as a garden facilitator to help maintain the garden and educate youth, please contact Courtney at 808-442-7891 / ccabebe@bbbshawaii.org. |
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We recently partnered with Assistance Dogs of Hawaii to participate in their monthly Paws for Reading Program. Our youth were able to read some of their favorite books to puppy, Ella, and her trainer, Marina. We can't wait for their next visit! |
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Maui hosted an Appreciation Dinner for all of our program volunteers, board members, and other agency supporters. It was a great evening celebrating the amazing people who make a tremendous impact on our youth. Mahalo to our top sponsors: Café O'Lei at the Dunes, Wailuku Federal Credit Union, and Hawaii Petroleum. We recognized our Bigs of the Year, as well as our Maui Mentoring Scholarship awardees at the event:
- Community-Based Big Sister of the Year - Hoku Hu
- Community-Based Big Brother of the Year - Steve Stiller
- School-Based Big Sister of the Year - Michaella Manuel-Sagon
- School-Based Big Brother of the Year - Jalen Coloma
- School-Based Scholarship recipient - Lily Gavagan
- Mentor Center Scholarship recipient - Jaymar Quedding
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Go for the GOLD and join us for a fun-filled day of bowling, entertainment, and friendly competition to raise funds for Maui’s at-risk keiki.
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Big Brother Jeff Chung and Dr. Kristin Pauker donated a computer to one of our families in need. Little Sister Maria was so happy when she saw the computer! The family is so thankful and Maria is excited to use it to help with her studies.
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With inclement weather cancelling our paddling trip to Mokauea Island in Ke'ehi Lagoon, our matches continued with their mission to do a service for Earth Day by helping restore a lo’i on Kualoa Ranch. Mahalo to everyone who joined us in giving back and taking care of our community. |
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Our Holomua Mentoring Program held a March meetup at Waikalua Loko I’a, or the Waikalua Fishpond! Bigs and Littles were able to experience traditional kuapā building, or traditional fishpond wall building. We are grateful to Nā Lei Aloha Foundation for supporting this program and for helping teach our Bigs and Littles about the importance of interconnectedness and giving back to the ‘āina (land). |
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