KAHULUI - Twelve finalists for the 2011 Palaka Award that honors a nonprofit organization leader have been named, and the winner will be announced June 24 at a luncheon to be attended by Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz.
The Palaka Award honors the memory of Mike Lyons II, a regional senior vice president for Bank of Hawaii and active volunteer in the community who was known for wearing palaka shirts.
This year's nominees are:
Janet Allan, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, current secretary of the board of directors, a former president, weekly garden club volunteer.
Victor Bellarosa, Light Bringers Rescue Mission volunteer executive director and board member.
Judy Bisgard, Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center former board president, serves on annual wreath and art affair committees.
Robert Chapman, Haleakala Waldorf School former board president, former board member, co-chairman of the retreat committee, Diamond Group service organization leader.
Jim and Edna DiFalco, Hale Kau Kau, a program of St. Theresa's Church, annual fundraising committee members, bakers of breads and volunteer chefs for fundraisers and kitchen service.
Barbara Guild, Sugar Cove AOAO chairwoman of beach restoration committee.
Diane Haynes Woodburn, Ka Lima O Maui board member, serves on several committees.
Helen McCord, Aloha House, Maui Youth & Family Services and Malama Family Recovery Center board member and current secretary, sat on merger committee of the three groups, founding member of "Growing Dreams" fundraising event.
Helen Nielsen, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust president, co-founder of Maui Coastal Land Trust.
Rob Shelton, Lahainaluna High School Foundation board president.
Debbie Sutherland, Imua Family Services vice president of the board.
"The caliber of the entire nominee field is extraordinary and an inspiration," said Leslie Mullens, Rotary Club of Kahului president. "Their tireless volunteer work and organizations will be recognized and applauded by the entire Maui community."
The luncheon will be held at the King Kamehameha Golf Club's Waikapu Room. Title sponsor for this year's award and events is Alexander & Baldwin/A&B Foundation.
A fundraising golf ball drop also is planned prior to the luncheon. Net proceeds of the events fund Rotary Club of Kahului's Michael H. Lyons II Scholarship program, providing college scholarships for exceptional Maui youths.
Registration begins at 11 a.m., followed by the golf ball drop at noon. Participants are asked to make a cash donation to acquire one or more numbered golf balls. The golf balls will be dropped from a helicopter at 250 feet above a target on the King Kamehameha Golf Club driving range. Prizes include a Napa Valley getaway and a Grand Wailea staycation package.
One ball is $10; 40 balls are $200.
Tickets for the luncheon are $48 for individuals and $450 for a table of 10.
For more information, call 875-0500 or go to the website www.kahuluirotary.com.
