Hi everybody, treasurer for The Friends of Ho`opono Dave Eveland here - trust the new year is treating you well! Two years ago while training for the Honolulu Marathon, Shannon Cantan raised a significant amount of money for the Friends of Ho`opono. The Freinds are a non-profit organization that assists the Hawaii state agency in its efforts to provide quality services and programs to people who are blind. The past few weeks I have noticed a number of resolutions being made for the new year as regards 2018 miles. Inspired by Shannon's 2016 effort I am aiming to aid the Friends while completing 2018 miles via running, walking or hiking in 2018.
The Friends over the years have assisted with funds that among other things have enabled the agency to provide special outings such as camping on the north shore, backpacking through Haleakala, rafting the Grand Canyon, and Alaskan kayaking. There are no overhead costs associated with the Friends, which has no paid staff or office expenses. In addition to outdoor programming, the Friends have helped to expand the Low Vision Clinic, modernize Ho`opono's student kitchen, and provided emergency funds as needed.
I am pledging a set amount of money for each mile I achieve and the hope is that others will do the same. Or you may want to take on a similar challenge yourself. Does not have to be 2018 miles, could be more or less no matter. Donations the Friends receive are regarded as charitable contributions by the IRS and any amount is always welcomed. If you do your own challenge you may well find it easier to train when knowing you are doing so for a good cause. If you plan to commence on your own it would be nice if you could let the Friends know so that they can cheer your efforts throughout the year. If you like we would be glad to acknowledge what you are doing for the Friends on this blog site
The Friends of Ho`opono website that allows for online donations is located at:www.razoo.com/organization/Friends-Of-Hoopono. Donations designated for the Friends can also be sent to Hoopono, 1901 Bachelot Street, Honolulu HI 96817. Phone number: 586-5269
Updates, as to challenge progress, will be posted here. Am not going to validate distance via gps watch as it is widely inaccurate (cheap watch) but am counting runs/walks/hikes. Of course, anyone undertaking their own challenge to benefit Ho`opono can set up their own guidelines.
What follows are a few photos highlighting some of the activities that the Friends have helped to make possible, and the Ahuimanu valley where most of the action will take place, plus a couple from planned upcoming mid-distance hike. Best wishes for a great year to all of you.
If you pledge based on miles that hope to accumulate in 2018 one penny a mile that would total $20 and eighteen cents, five cents $100.90 and so on. Plus there is a good chance pledged amounts could be less as although am off to a good start and since August 2017 have run over 1000 miles and walked a bunch more that streak could grind to a halt at any time due to bad knees, feet, legs, brain. Keep in mind that only the miles in 2018 count toward the goal and if by long shot more than 2018 are accomplished the extra distance doesn't add to whatever amount one pledges. And do please remember no pledges are required and any amount given for whatever the reason is most welcomed.
