This is a list of the 2008 fundraising and volunteer opportunities for Special Olympics West Hawaii. To participate in any of these events, contact Debbie Extor, volunteer coordinator, at 808-322-9567 or send an e-mail to sowhdebbie@yahoo.com.
February
16 — Guns and Hoses Law Enforcement & Fire Regatta: This race benefits SOWH. Volunteers are needed for registration, timekeepers, set up, food service, decorating and clean up. Shifts are from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kailua Pier or from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Old Kona Airport pavilion.
April
1 — Lavaman Triathlon: Volunteers are needed at the SOWH aid station and pass out drinks to triathletes. Shift is from 8 a.m. to noon at Waikoloa Beach Resort. To learn more the triathlon, visit www.lavamantriathlon.com.
4 — Fueling Dreams: This fundraiser takes place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Tesoro gas station by Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. Volunteers are needed to serve four-hour-long shifts with local police officers, who will pump gas and wash windows for tips. To learn more about the fundraiser, visit www.specialolympicshawaii.org.
20 — First Hawaiian Back Law Enforcement Torch Run: Event is from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at First Hawaiian Bank in the Lanihau Center in Kailua-Kona. This run/walk begins at the bank, goes down to Kailua Pier and continues south to Hale Halewai. Entry fee is $20. To learn more about the event, visit www.specialolympicshawaii.org.
May
17 — The Visitor Industry Charity Walk: Event starts at 7 a.m. at Anaehoomalu Bay in Waikoloa. This 4-mile walk raises money for local charities, including SOWH. There’s a $35 entry fee. To learn more about this fundraiser, visit www.charitywalkhawaii.org.
June
2 — Ironman 70.3 Hawaii Triathlon: Volunteers are needed for three-hour-long shifts at the SOWH aid station, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mauna Lani Resort. They will pass out drinks to triathletes. To learn more about the triathlon, visit www.ironman703hawaii.com.
29 — UCC Coffee Kona Marathon: Volunteers are needed at the SOWH aid station, where they will pass out drinks to athletes from 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of Island Chevrolet in Kailua-Kona. Various work shifts are available. To learn more about the marathon, visit www.konamaraton.com.
July
26 — Big Island Games Day: SOWH athletes and their unified partners compete against other island teams in bocce and soccer for a spot at the Aukake State Games, which will be held on Aug. 16 and 17 on Oahu. The Big Island Games Day tournaments take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Old Kona Airport soccer fields. Volunteers are need for the award presentation, food table staff, runners, referees, etc.
September
13, 14 & 15 — Cop On Top: Local police officers set atop of a scaffold in front of Safeway in Kailua-Kona, encouraging and calling out to nearby shoppers to donate money toward SOWH. The public can make donations from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Volunteers are needed to serve four-hour shifts, which they will ask for donations, express gratitude, man the information table and pass out balloons. To learn more about the fundraiser, visit www.specialolympicshawaii.org.
October
11 — Ford Ironman World Championship: About 70 volunteers are needed to work five-hour shifts at the SOWH aid station, where they will pass out drinks to athletes and pick up rubbish. To learn more about the World Championship, visit www.ironman.com.
