Kipu Ranch Adventures turns over $7170 in proceeds to Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i

Courtesy of Hawai‘i Foodbank

Kaua‘i Kalaheo School Parent Community Networking Center Facilitator Allison Matsuo and Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i Director Wes Perreira celebrate the 1,280 pounds of food collected during the drive-thru drop-off at the school.

Dennis Fujimoto / The Garden Island

Kipu Ranch Adventure’s Char Bonilla shows off the promotional campaign poster for the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i Tuesday during a check presentation for the results of the fundraising campaign for the foodbank at the Kipu facility.

Dennis Fujimoto / The Garden Island

Part of the Kipu Ranch Adventure team turns over $7,170 to Michelle Panoke of the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i, fourth from left, Tuesday at the facility in Kipu. The amount represents the results of a campaign hosted by the business from June through December.

KIPU — Cathy Shanks of Kipu Ranch Adventures said there will probably be a small check following the presentation of $7,170 to the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i on Tuesday at the Kipu facility.

“The campaign period runs through Dec. 31,” said Shanks. “We’ve got a few more days to go, so we’ll probably have a small check coming.”

The $7,170 total presented to Tisha Ruiz and Michelle Panoke of the foodbank represents what has been collected since the program got underway in June.

“Basically, under the terms of the promotion, Kipu Ranch Adventures donates a dollar to the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i every time a cart goes out,” Shanks said. “Additionally, guests have the option of donating to the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i as a ‘tip.’”

Ruiz, the grants and communications coordinator for the foodbank, said the Puhi offices and warehouses have been involved in collating the different food drives done by the schools ahead of the winter break.

Beside the Kapa‘a Middle School advisory class with teacher Kristin Umakoshi, the foodbank picked up 1,128 pounds of nonperishable food from Kalaheo School. That food drive was coordinated by Parent Community Networking Center Facilitator Allison Matsuo.

“Her crafty and pandemic-friendly coordination made the food drive all the more simple and efficient,” Ruiz said. “Each year, nearing the holidays, Allison conducts a food drive benefiting the families in need on Kaua‘i by donating through Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i. This year, she conducted a drive-thru-style (collection) at the school, even with her baby attached to the hip while teaching all keiki the importance of giving back at a young age. Simply incredible.”

Wes Perreira, the foodbank director, said he appreciates the efforts of the community.

“With deep gratitude, I thank our community for carrying out our mission,” Perreira said. “I thank you for joining us in the fight against hunger. Kaua‘i needs the light of people like you more than ever.”

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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.

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