Put Your Slippah for Charity, with Help from PayPal

By Léo Azambuja

Put Your Best Slippah Forward is the theme for the 36^th Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, happening simultaneously on all major Hawaiian Islands May 17.

Kaua‘i walkers will be ahead of the game when it comes down to donating. The Garden Isle is the first island to accept donations through PayPal.

The event put together by the Hawai‘i Lodging & Travel Association has raised more than $26 million statewide since its first edition, back in 1978. Last year, 14,736 walkers on Kaua‘i, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, O‘ahu and the Big Island raised more than $1.71 million altogether.

On Kaua‘i alone, 2,133 walkers raised $200,992 in 2013.

Although the walk is a statewide event, all the money raised on Kaua‘i stays here. Last year, 45 local organizations benefitted from the funds raised on Kaua‘i.

This year’s walk starts at the Historic County Building in Lihu‘e at 7 a.m., with registration starting at 6:30 a.m.

Walkers will take on Rice Street toward Kapule Highway, weave through Ho‘olako Street, turn left on Ahukini Road, enter Umi Street and head back to the Historic County Building.

The entire walk is just under three miles. Anyone can walk, but those under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult, and those under 18 years old will need an application signed by a parent or guardian. All walkers must have a donation, regardless of age. Any amount is OK, but $35 will get you a T-shirt.

And pets are not allowed.

PayPal donations are accepted at www.facebook.com/charitywalkkauai, and check donations accepted by requesting registration forms at charitywalkhawaii.org. There will also be a pre-walk countdown event at Kukui Grove Center with a silent auction and dance and drum performances on May 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walkers will be able to drop off their pledges and pick up their T-shirts at the countdown event.

Call David Sosner or Maile Lewis at 246-5502 for more information.