MEDIA RELEASE

The Kona Hospital Foundation hosted its most successful benefit fundraiser ever. As a result the Foundation will be purchasing $250,000 worth of New Operating Room Technology for Kona Community Hospital.

The 12th annual “Life, Health and Giving” gala benefit last month at the Four Seasons Resort was emceed by Lyman
Medeiros and featured music by the Bill Noble Quartet and a buffet dinner.

The event also featured a wide variety of live and silent auction items. All auction items were sold out, which was
another first for the Foundation’s fundraising event. Kona Hospital Foundation Chairman Jim Higgins attributed the auctions’ success to the high caliber of items donated specifically for the gala.

“We are so fortunate to have wonderful donors who contribute phenomenal items to our auctions,” Higgins said.

The Gala’s two keynote speakers provided the highlight of the evening.

First, Dr. Lawrence Peebles, shared anecdotes of his 40-year career as a surgeon at Kona Community Hospital from its modest beginnings.

The second keynote speaker, Kimo Higgins took the stage to relate his experience as a patient at Kona Community Hospital following a car accident more than 20 years prior. He credited and thanked Dr. Peebles for saving his life at that time.

“The connection between our keynote speakers really highlighted our event theme of ‘Life, Health and Giving,’” said Judi Nakamaru Foundation Vice Chair. “It was a touching moment for everyone.”

The Kona Hospital Foundation’s current campaign will provide new and upgraded operating equipment, ensuring that KCH surgical services staff have access to state-of-the-art operating technology.

“We’re so thankful for our donors, supporters and volunteers who made this event such a success,” said Jim Higgins. “Their generosity allows us to continue to support Kona Community Hospital for our community.”

The Kona Hospital Foundation is dedicated to improving Kona Community Hospital for the entire community. Its mission is to fund medical technology, expanded services and enhanced facilities that would otherwise be unavailable.

Since its inception, the Foundation has donated over five million dollars towards numerous projects that have improved the hospital. Major endeavors include the Adopt-A-Room project, the Radiation Oncology Center, Imaging Center, Nuclear Medicine Suite, and Outpatient Chemotherapy Building.