Charity Award Recipients
In 2006, Rani Henderson began a “special recognition award” given out at the end of the event to a deserving non-profit organization (local charity) dedicated to helping our Big Island Community.
Since its inception, the Jingle Bell Beach Run has donated monetary awards that are raised through and by the event, to numerous non-profits for their on-going charity work, dedication and commitment toward helping our island youth and improving our local community. If you would like to donate to this year’s Charity Award Recipient please email info@hawaiisportevents.com.
2023 – P.A.T.H. (People for Active Transportation Hawaii)
PATH is a 30+ year old nonprofit organization. Our mission is to connect people and places with bikeways and walkways on Hawaii Island. We believe safe, equitable transportation options promote healthy people, healthy communities, healthy land, and a healthy planet. We administer three programs: Biking and Pedestrian Safety Classes for Keiki and Adults, HIBIKE Bikeshare, and Vision Zero and Complete Streets Advocacy. | Website |
2023 – Kiwanis Club of Kailua-Kona (“Serve the Children”)
The Kiwanis Club of Kailua-Kona is a 501(c)(4) locally based Hawaii non-profit organization that are part of the larger Kiwanis International global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child, and one community at a time. We have partnered with Kiwanis for many years due to their on-going dedication and support to Hawaii Island’s Youth.
2019 – KIDS MATTER
“Kids Matter,” is a 501 (c)(3) locally-based Hawaii non-profit organization that provides a warm, home-like setting for children who have become victims of abuse, resources for professionals who work with victims, and reaches out to children and their families served by the programs.
2019 – Kiwanis Club of Kailua-Kona (“Serve the Children”)
The Kiwanis Club of Kailua-Kona is a 501(c)(4) locally based Hawaii non-profit organization that are part of the larger Kiwanis International global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child, and one community at a time.
2018 – Kiwanis Club of Kailua-Kona (“Serve the Children”)
The Kiwanis Club of Kailua-Kona is a 501(c)(4) locally based Hawaii non-profit organization that are part of the larger Kiwanis International global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child, and one community at a time.
2017 – Kiwanis Club of Kailua-Kona (“Serve the Children”)
The Kiwanis Club of Kailua-Kona is a 501(c)(4) locally based Hawaii non-profit organization that are part of the larger Kiwanis International global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child, and one community at a time.
Here in Kona, they are involved with many youth programs and meaningful community activities that truly make a difference. Some of their projects include providing basic supplies and toys for children in the hospital and those involved with the West Hawaii Children’s Justice System (Kids Matter); help with homeless and transitional children of the Ulu Wini transitional housing complex; and work with PATH Hawaii’s bike safety program for children at Kealakehe Elementary School to name a few. To find out more about the Kiwanis Club’s involvement in our community click here.
2016 – KIDS MATTER
“Kids Matter,” is a 501 (c)(3) locally-based Hawaii non-profit organization that provides a warm, home-like setting for children who have become victims of abuse, resources for professionals who work with victims, and reaches out to children and their families served by the programs.
OUR UBER-VOLUNTEER, FRANZ WEBER SHARES HIS PERSPECTIVE:
“Kids Matter uses monetary donations to purchase the items that will be given to children who have been taken away from their homes in emergency situations. This happens usually when police are involved. From personal experience as a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem, this happens when parents or relatives use children as punching balls; in about 50 % of the cases, physical and sexual abuse is involved; these children often are taken away with just what they wear, nothing else, maybe a plastic bag with a change of clothes.
In my work as Volunteer GAL at the Juvenile Court, I had situations where the children, just a few years old, were eating dog food out of the dog bowls, because nobody was providing meals in the house, parents were on drugs and out most of the time.
In another case, the parents went to the mainland, and the kids were left behind by themselves, no food in the house, no money, for weeks on their own.
Providing the basic necessities, including a toy and some personal items, gives the child at least some security, knowing they have a blanket and a pillow to sleep, something to write, someone who cares.”
*Click to Enlarge
MORE INFO:
Children’s Justice Center of West Hawaii
2015 – Family Support Hawaii’s Kalikimaka No Na Keiki
(Christmas for the Children)
Family Support Hawai’i is a non-profit, community-based organization that is concerned about the life-long consequences of child abuse and neglect. Through their Kalikimaka No Na Keiki (Christmas for the Children) program, FSH has helped children, whose parents are struggling to make ends meet, able to experience the joy of Christmas through generous donations from the community. These donations help to make sure that each child has at least one present to open on Christmas day. Family Support Hawaii now provides supportive services to more than 3,500 Hawai’i Island individuals and families each year.
2014 – Konawaena Triathlon Club
2014 – The Friends of the Children of West Hawai’i
The Friends of the Children of West Hawai’i is a non-profit organization that helps meet the needs of the children of West Hawai’i who have been traumatized by sexual assault, physical or emotional abuse or neglect as well as those children who have been witnesses to violent crime such as domestic violence.
The FRIENDS is comprised of a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and a priceless group of community volunteers who share a concern and compassion for the social welfare of these children in our West Hawaii. | Website |
** $5 FROM ALL HATS SOLD GOES TO THESE PROGRAMS**
(Hats can be purchased during registration and at packet pick-up).
2013 – Kids Matter
“Kids Matter,” is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that provides a warm, home-like setting for children who have become victims of abuse, resources for professionals who work with victims, and reaches out to children and their families served by the programs.
2012 – AdvoCATS, awarded to Cynthia Thurston
“Helping Cats on the Big Island of Hawaii,” advoCATS, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to improving the welfare of Hawaii Island’s abandoned and homeless cat population by their trap/neuter/return (TNR) program. advoCATS supports TNR – a free program through their monthly clinics – as the most humane way to reduce the number of homeless cats and prevent the spread of feline diseases. The majority of the advoCATS funding that comes through donations, goes toward the spaying and neutering of cats. Since their inception in 1999, advoCATS have successfully spayed or neutered over 12,000 cats! | Website |
2011 – Team Mango, awarded to Carl “Gecko” Koomoa
Carl “Gecko” Koomoa with Team Mango is well known for creating races that are extremely fun, a bit wacky and somewhat off-beat, yet unique enough to keep our Big Island Community fit and entertained over the past 20 years. Carl’s dedication to free athletic events has helped many towards completing their very first race, ranging from sprint to Iron distance triathlons, cycling time trial hill climbs, and even a trash/recycling points triathlon. His ongoing enthusiasm creates “Team Mango Mania” among all who participate and we thank Carl for a great 20 years of free, fun, wacky events! | Website |
2010 – Peaman / Frozen Pea Productions
Peaman has always been a very special person within our Big Island community. Over the past 20-years, he has tirelessly put on hundreds of free & fun athletic events ranging from swims, to runs, to biathlons, and even triathlons. It takes a special person with lots of aloha to do this, and anyone who crosses Peaman’s path becomes immediately aware of his on-going energy, enthusiasm, and spirit. The biggest impact has been with our island’s youth. Not only has he provided more opportunities for our youth to lead healthier lifestyles, but his generous and caring nature as well as positive outlook on life is definitely one to be modeled after.
2009 –P.A.T.H. (People’s Advocacy for Trails Hawaii)
“To safely connect the people and places on hawai’i Island with pathways and bikeways”
PATH is a grassroots, non-profit, 501(c)3 tax exempt organization formed in 1986 to promote traffic safety education, and a safe environment on roadways and trails for recreation, fitness and alternative, oil-free modes of transportation. | Website |
2008 – West Hawaii American Cancer Society
A nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to helping eliminate cancer as a major health problem through research, education, advocacy and service.
2007 – The Kona Aquatics, awarded to Steve Borowski
Steve Borowski is special that there’s hardly enough words to describe the kind of person that he is. But what he has done for our community in helping and shaping athletes of all ages to learn how to swim is something that we would call a gift. Under his coaching, we watched young athletes turn out to be phenomenal high school and college swimmers, watched people who were afraid to swim conquer their fear, and watched age group and professional athletes improve their times in the swim. Steve comes from a lengthy and very honorable coaching history, and anyone who has met him knows that he is very modest, humble, and more than willing to help anyone in need. Thank you Steve!
Steve Borowski is currently the coach of The Kona Aquatics Swim Team, Kealakehe High School Swim Team, Masters Swim program and Swim 101 beginner program.
2006 – Special Olympics, awarded to Denise Lindsey
Denise Lindsey won the inaugural “special recognition award” due to endless hours spent helping athletes with special needs further their athletic achievements. From year round fund raising events, to coaching weight lifting sessions at the gym, to travels around the country with her athletes, Mrs. Lindsey is definitely an extraordinary person and a bright light in our community!
2006 – The Sarah Rosenberg Scholarship Fund
Outstanding Community Service Awards
In 2010, Rani Henderson created the inaugural “Outstanding Community Service Award,” given to an individual(s) within our local community who has willingly dedicated their time and energy toward making events and races successful through their service of volunteering, or has taken the initiative to create new and fun sporting events for our local community. These individuals are truly special and role models in our community.
- 2023 – awarded to Kelly Hudik – “Volunteer of the Year” and PATH
- 2023 – awarded to LaVerne Curry – “Volunteer of the Year”
- 2019 – awarded to Tom & Betsy Solis – Hawaii Cycling Club
- 2018 – awarded to Grant Miller & Janet Higa-Miller – XTERRA Hawaii Island, Hearts & Trails, and for being a community sponsor to all swim-bike-run events on the island!
- 2017 – awarded to Vern Sekafetz – Big Island Cyclocross
- 2016 – awarded to Joe Loschiavo – “Volunteer of the Year”
- 2015 – awarded to Kym & Kris Kiser – Triptophan Turkey Day Triathlon and The Dragon Race
- 2014 – awarded to Kristin Old – Kealakehe Waverider Triathlon Team
- 2013 – awarded to Franz Weber – “Volunteer of the Year”
- 2012 – awarded to Lisa Vos with Coffee Talk Riders
- 2011 – awarded to Daniel Hodel of the Queen K Tri Club
- 2010 – awarded to Jason & Melissa Braswell of Big Island Running Company
