HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0241.000 2008-2010BRENDA J. FORD
Council Member
Council District 7 - Central Kona
Hawai `i County Council
County of Hawai `i
Kailua Trade Center
75-5706 Hanama Place, Suite (09
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
DATE: March 30, 2009
TO: J. Yoshimoto, Chairperson,
and Members of the Hawaii County Council
cy~S.-
FROM: d'Brenda J. Ford, Council Member
SUBJECT: Special Needs Kids Presentation
Phone: (808) 326-5684
ras: rsos~ 3z9a7s6
Emnil: bford@co. hawaii.hi,as
~~
r_= W
y "D _
. i
,.
,
•
~J
~+
Special Needs Kids -South Kona (SNKSK) is a program of `Apono I-Iawai`i - a 501(c)(3) tax
exempt charitable corporation based in Captain Cook, Hawaii serving as an umbrella
corporation for SNKSK. SNKSK's mission is to provide therapeutic activities for special needs
children on the Island of Hawaii. Donations are earmarked to provide financial assistance for
physical therapy that strengthens the bodies, minds, and souls of these children.
Although the program is taking its first step in South Kona, the program intends to expand
island-wide and is already working with organizations in East Hawaii to help these special
children. For this first step, special needs students at Konawaena, Honaunau, and Ho`okena
Elementary Schools are targeted for assistance.
This year, donations will provide therapeutic riding lessons at "Horseplay." Horseplay is a
therapeutic equestrian center in Honalo, Hawaii. Therapeutic riding is proven to be a positive
benefit for persons with cerebral palsy, autism, attention deficits, communication disorders,
developmental delays, and more. In addition, SNKSK's program will help fund equipment at the
targeted schools to provide physical fitness activities to this unique population of students.
Beginning June 8, 2009, and ending on June 24, 2009, SNKSK's founder, Angelina Lovato -
part-time teacher at Konawaena Elementary School -will walk around Hawaii Island to raise
money for this year's important project.
Comm. No. ~7~
Ref. io; S ~ ~L
Ref. Cate i+iAR 3 -2UQ$_
Serving the Lnlerests of [he People of Our /sland --
Hawai `i County is an Fyual Opparnmiry Provider and Employer
March 30, 2009
Page 2
SNKSK wrote directly to each Council Member to request their help by walking with Ms.
Lovato for a short distance through their respective council district to bring awareness to this
project. You can obtain additional information on the SNKSK program on its website:
soecialneedskidskona.or~
As a community, we need to come together to help provide extended education experiences for
these very special children.
I respectfully request 10 minutes during the appropriate committee agenda on April 21, 2009.
BJF/dkr