STATE SENATE BREAKS RECORD IN DONATIONS TO HAWAIʻI FOODBANK

HONOLULU -April 30, 2008- The Hawaii Foodbank was presented with $11,922 and well over 5,000 pounds of food at an event held at the State Capitol today by Senator Mike Gabbard, his colleagues and Senate staffers.

Gabbard said, “We started with the modest goal of raising $5,000 and bringing in 1,500 pounds of food. We were totally blown away by the excitement and outpouring of aloha shown for this very worthy cause.”

The Hawaii State Senate has been active in raising money and collecting food for the Hawaii Foodbank's Annual Food Drive every year since it all began in 1990. This year was record-breaking for both food and monetary donations. The Senate had a friendly competition among the different offices and various incentives along the way to earn points for helping in this year's food drive. The Senate Minority Research office finished first with 15,175 points, Senator Ron Menor’s office placed 2nd with 10,510 points and Senator David Ige’s office came in 3rd with 9,260 points.

Gabbard continued, “I know that the donations to the Hawaii Foodbank this year have been less than what is needed, so I’m hopeful that our efforts help to bridge the gap. Mahalo to everyone who participated in making our fundraising efforts an outstanding success.”

As part of the incentive to motivate the other Senate offices, Senator Gabbard offered prizes to the winners: 2 tickets on board the Star of Honolulu whale watching and luncheon cruise ship, a gift basket of assorted goodies from the Gabbard ohana, and a private gourmet lunch prepared by Senator Gabbard and his wife, Carol.

Senator Gabbard represents District 19, which includes Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, and portions of Waipahu and Ko 'Olina. Please contact his office at 586-6830 for more information.