8/6/2019 Breakfast With Bob Hawaii Red Cross Disaster Relief Effort

1/2

Hawaii State Chapter

4155 Diamond Head RoadHonolulu, HI 96816-4417www.hawaiiredcross.org (local)

www.redcross.org (national)

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Coralie Matayoshi

Phone: (808) 739-8103

LOCAL EFFORT RAISES MONEY FOR HAWAII DISASTERS

HONOLULU, HI May 24, 2011 - For Immediate Release

The American Red Cross Hawaii Chapter is applauding a local donation effort that raised $60,000

to help victims of local disasters.

Mahalo to Big Island Representative Bob Herkes for organizing a unique effort to raise money

for the Hawaii Red Cross, said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Hawaii

State Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Herkes, who lives in Volcano and represents Puna, Kau, North Kona and South Kona, organized

a Breakfast with Bob event in the wake of the March 11 tsunami, which destroyed dozens of

homes, businesses and boats throughout the state. The biggest damage was recorded on the west

and northwest shores of the Big Island.

More than 80 people attended the April 13 gathering at the Pacific Club, and heard Big Island

residents recount emotional stories of the damage inflicted and the needs facing victims.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz was among those in attendance. The emcee was former city managing

director Kirk Caldwell, who was raised in Hilo. All proceeds went to the Red Cross.

Nearly half of the money raised came from AT&T, which employs about 330 people throughout

Hawaii.

--- MORE ---

http://www.hawaiiredcross.org/http://opt/scribd/conversion/tmp/scratch29751/www.redcross.orghttp://www.hawaiiredcross.org/http://opt/scribd/conversion/tmp/scratch29751/www.redcross.org

8/6/2019 Breakfast With Bob Hawaii Red Cross Disaster Relief Effort

2/2

We want to thank AT&T for their generous donation, along with all the donors who recognize

the many challenges that we continue to confront to address the critical needs of those impacted

by a disaster, Matayoshi said.

In the last fiscal year, the Hawaii Red Cross responded to 99 disasters (about

once every 3-4 days), providing food, clothing, shelter and caring support to

those individuals and families affected by the tragic events. The American

Red Cross of Hawaii is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that

provides relief to victims of disaster, provides emergency communications to

members of the Armed Forces and their families, and helps people prevent,

prepare for and respond to emergencies. All Red Cross disaster assistance is

free and is made possible by donations. The Red Cross is not a government agency but

depends on public contributions to help others. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the

American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. To send a

contribution, mail your check to American Red Cross, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu,

Hawaii 96816. Or make a secure online donation at www.hawaiiredcross.org or call: (808) 739-

8109.

-30-

Photo: Coralie Chun Matayoshi, CEO of the Hawaii Red Cross with Representative Bob Herkes(left) and Daniel Youmans, President of the Washington/Hawaii division of AT&T (right). The$25,000 check from AT&T was part of the Breakfast with Bob event that raised money forHawaii Red Cross.

# END #

http://www.hawaiiredcross.org/http://www.hawaiiredcross.org/