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Annual luncheon honors outstanding volunteers and supporters.
More than 340 people attended The Salvation Army’s recently held annual Partners in Community Service Awards banquet in Honolulu, honoring individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions. Western Territorial Commander Commissioner Philip Swyers brought the keynote address.
The Rotary Club of Honolulu received the outstanding civic group partner award. The Rotarians have devoted hundreds of hours of labor, resources and talent in the painting and landscaping of The Salvation Army’s Women’s Way facilities, a residential program for women and their children in drug treatment and recovery.
Mitch D’Olier, president and CEO of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, received an award as outstanding volunteer and corporate partner. D’Olier and the Castle Foundation were actively involved in the planning and construction of the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, providing the first locally raised capital grant. When completed, the Kroc Center will be the largest community center of its kind in Hawaii.
Frank De Lima, well-known comic and entertainer, was recognized as an outstanding volunteer. He has entertained thousands of people for the past eight years at the annual Salvation Army Thanksgiving dinners at the Neal Blaisdell Center. He also received acknowledgement for his work with Hawaii’s children through the Student Enrichment Program that he started in 1980. He visits hundreds of schools each year to instill the importance of reading and studying, and of using humor to manage emotional and physical life transitions.
Divisional Advisory Organizations Conference
The Divisional Advisory Organization (DAOC)—believed to be the first of its kind in the Western Territory—met before the awards event. Themed “Linking up to do the most good,” its goal was to educate, strengthen and inspire the membership of advisory organizations across the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division.
Keynote speaker Major George Hood, national community relations and development secretary, emphasized the important role of advisory board and council members. During his presentation to more than 80 members from Oahu and the neighbor islands, Hood gave examples of best practices across the nation. He also enumerated the top 10 ways to achieve an exceptional board. Following the conference, attendees were able to network during an open house session where various programs of the division were displayed.