SATURDAY, JULY 26 at 6:00PM
MAHALO TO MURPHY'S BAR & GRILL FOR HOSTING OUR INAUGURAL COACHES2ENDALZ FUNDRAISER!
HONOREES INCLUDE: Coach Les & Dot Murakami, Kelii Bandmann & Maila Gibson Bandmann, Keith Regan & Lynn Araki-Regan, and Dr. Gina Fujikami
Coach Les & Dot Murakami: Coach Les Murakami was the head coach of the University of Hawaii Baseball team for 30 seasons and accumulated 1,079 victories, 11 trips to the NCAA Regionals, including to the College World Series in 1980, and is one of the most decorated Hawaii coaches of all-time. In 2002, the home ballpark of the Rainbow Warriors was renamed "Les Murakami Stadium". In addition to being an incredible coach on the field, Coach Les and his wife Dot are being honored for their coaching off the field. In addition to caring for Coach Les after his stroke in 2000, Dot became the primary caregiver for Coach Les' mom who was living with Alzheimer's. Together, they also have been instrumental in the development of their grandchildren. As Coach states, "Don't give up and don't stay home."
Kelii Bandmann & Maila Gibson-Bandmann: As a Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner in Hawaii's music industry, Maila Gibson-Bandmann has found a passion equal to her passion for music - helping people get the most out of real estate ownership in Hawaii. Kelii is a Certified Workplace Wellness Advisor for UHA Health helping organizations create and maintain programs that support the health and well-being of employees. He designs, implements and oversees wellness initiatives that promote physical, mental, and emotional health in the workplace. In addition to their service-oriented careers, Kelii & Maila have made life-changing sacrifices over the past few years as they became the full-time caregivers for Kelii's mom living with Alzheimer's while also becoming "Purple Ambassadors' for the Alzheimer's Association. We honor them for their love and dedication along with Kelli's mom, Edith Bandmann, who passed away on March 4th.
Keith Regan & Lynn Araki-Regan: Keith is the State of Hawaii Comptroller and Lynn serves as an officer for the Department of Labor & Industrial Relations. It is with great admiration that we recognize Keith and Lynn, who have truly exemplified what it means to serve the public with unwavering dedication, compassion, and integrity. Through years of selfless work, they have not only made a lasting impact in the lives of those served but have also set the standard for what it means to lead with purpose and care. In addition to becoming caregivers when Lynn's father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease a few years ago, they developed the Kupuna Spelling Bee (inspired by their son, Riley) as a fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association and became "Purple Ambassadors" for the organization. This September, they will be hosting the 4th annual Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee in honor of Lynn's dad, Fred Araki, who passed away on February 19th.
Dr. Gina Fujikami: Dr. Gina Fujikami's contributions to the field of geriatrics deserve to be celebrated and honored. Her practice focuses on the health and care of our elderly population, especially those living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia. Dr. Fujikami's interest in this specialty is rooted in her own personal family experience. When she was a child, her grandfather suffered from dementia. As his condition progressed she saw how it affected both him and her family resulting in her pursuit to understand this condition. The most gratifying aspect of Dr. Fujikami's practice is knowing she is honoring our kūpuna-our respected elders-through her work. Being able to give back to those in our community who have given so much is her greatest honor.
