Keiki Continue to Give Like Pauahi

KS Hawai‘i’s ‘Aha ‘Ōpio (Student Council) presented a check for $1,000.51 to the Foundation at their 2011 Founder’s Day ceremony. From left to right: Blake Moniz KSH’20, Student Council Treasurer; Kaila Ambrosio KSK’19, Student Council Vice President; Kalei Stern KSK’89, Executive Director of Ke Ali‘i Pauahi Foundation; Ho‘onani McClung KSH’20, Student Council President; Kaori Nishimura KSH’20, Student Council Secretary.

On the very day that Kamehameha Schools honors their founder and princess, Ke Ali‘i Pauahi, the elementary students from Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i campus emulate Pauahi’s selfless giving by giving back to the Foundation through the Pennies for Pauahi program.

A student-driven fundraising program, Pennies for Pauahi is utilized to instill the act of giving within the students by collecting pennies and other loose change. This year’s program ran from November 28 – December 9, 2011 and generated more than $1,000.

“Pennies for Pauahi teaches the students about our school’s founder, Ke Ali‘i Pauahi, and how much she has given to all of us,” said Marcie Kunz Saquing KSK’72, parent education and student activities coordinator at the Hawai‘i campus. “The program gives the students the opportunity to show their appreciation for Pauahi’s generosity by giving forward to others in need.”

The program has generated close to $7,000 in donations over the past six years since its inception. A significant feat considering that these kindergarten through fifth grade students are collecting the money themselves. 

“If we can teach our keiki to lead and give back to others in need, imagine what they can accomplish as adults,” said Kalei Stern KSK’89, executive director of Ke Ali‘i Pauahi Foundation. “These keiki are our future leaders, and I am both inspired and humbled by their generosity and effort.”

Funds received from the Pennies for Pauahi program will be allocated to the Foundation’s Early Childhood Education and Literacy fund – a grant source that helps pre-schools purchase essential books, multi-media items and other learning material that foster literacy and early learning.      

If you are interested in learning about Pennies for Pauahi or our Early Childhood Education and Literacy fund, please contact us at (808) 534-3966 or info@pauahi.org.