Maui dentists Dean Arashiro, Jonathan Lau, Kasey-Kalei Tamashiro and Heather Hearon share a moment of joy with a foster child and the new bike they built, made possible through community collaboration. Photo courtesy Maui United Way

Five children on Maui got a pleasant surprise March 7 when they received new bicycles, helmets, locks and $100 gift cards courtesy of the Maui Postgraduate Dental Forum.

The group worked in collaboration with Maui United Way and Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui with donations from Central Pacific Bank, Nobel Biocare and MPDF, to make the March 7 giveaway at the King Kamehameha Golf Club possible.

According to Maui United Way, Erik Wong and Maui Postgraduate Dental Forum club members took the lead in raising the money to pay for the new bikes, while Aaron “Moose” Reichert from Krank Cycles ensured they were assembled correctly and provided a quick safety lesson for the children.

The event came as a surprise for both the keiki and the participating dentists, as the young recipients were presented with their new bikes during a special ceremony at the King Kamehameha Golf Club.

“We knew these bikes would make a difference for foster youth, but seeing their faces light up as we handed them over in person was truly unforgettable,” said Wong, a prosthodontist and club director. “It’s an incredible honor to support the foster youth in our community and be part of something so impactful.”

Maui United Way played an important role in connecting MPDF with the foster youth, working alongside Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui and Child Welfare Services to identify the children who would benefit most from the donation.

“Maui United Way is proud to have facilitated this meaningful connection between Maui Postgraduate Dental Forum and the foster youth,” said Jeeyun Lee, Director of Impact at Maui United Way. “It’s inspiring to see the power of community collaboration in action, making a real difference in the lives of our foster youth.”

Friends of the Children’s Justice Center also contributed by providing $100 gift cards to each of the five children.

“It’s heartwarming to see the community come together in such a special way,” said Paul Tonnessen, Executive Director of Friends of the Children’s Justice Center. “This event not only provides bikes but also opens up a world of opportunity and joy for the youth in our care.”