Friends of the Poor Run/Walk: Thank you for contributing to our success

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul wishes to thank all those who participated in our 13th annual Friends of the Poor Run/Walk. A large number of runners enjoyed dry fall weather and a beautiful course. Those who walked to our Teal Street Shelter saw continued improvements to our programming and our facilities. We exceeded our fund raising goals due to the community’s generosity.

This event could not have happened without the volunteers that assisted our board of directors in organizing and running the activities. Paul DeSloover and the Juneau Trail and Road Runners provided supplies and timing for the run. The Thunder Mountain National Honor Society assisted with signups, and directions for the run and the walk. We greatly appreciate their assistance.

St. Vincent de Paul continues to serve the community through a wide variety of services, from food including our Thanksgiving Food Baskets, clothing distributed through the Dan Austin Free Store, Family Shelter, and 101 low income housing units. We have added the Warming Shelter supported by CBJ. The community’s support allows us to do the valuable work we provide to the neediest of our community.

Thank you very much.

Dave Ringle, Executive Director

Society of St. Vincent de Paul – St. Therese Conference

Juneau Shares Aloha with Maui Fire Victims

The Juneau Empire’s publication August 10, 2023, of the story headlined “Wildfire devastates Hawai’i’s historic Lahaina; dozens killed, massive evacuation of area” shocked people far and wide. The devastation and loss of life has been enormous. In the face of disaster, the people of Juneau have rallied in support of Hawai’i. The community of Juneau showed great compassion for the victims of the tragic fire in Lahaina through making donations to the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation. The fundraising event was a hula show performed by Juneau’s own hula school, Halau Hula O Manoa. We appreciate Sealaska Heritage Institute for enabling our hula group to perform Hawaiian chants and dances at Heritage Plaza to raise awareness of the need, and thank SHI’s staff Kari Groven and Katelynn Drake. Thanks to musicians Shannon DeMaster, Doug DeMaster, and Rhonda Gardinier, Lisa Puananimohala‘ikalani Denny for her ukulele-playing and songs, performed together with Jennifer Lin. Thanks to the youngest performer of all, Jackie Enele, who displayed her skill in two traditional Samoan dances, and to her mother Jan Enele. We also want to thank MCs Sharon Gaiptman, Natalee Rothaus and Nanci Spear. Appreciation to Tom Koester (amplifier), Meghan Gahi (backstage tent), Betsy Sims of Njuzu Marimbas (sound system rescue), and Pavitt Health and Fitness. Thank you Juneau for sharing aloha and contributing to Maui Strong (www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org).

For information about hula school, please contact Tonia Kramp at tikigirl@outlook.com

Hālau Hula O Mānoa Juneau Members