By PAIGE TAKEYA<\/B><\/I><\/p>\n
Golf balls are not the first thing one would expect to associate with Pacific Survivor Center. But if they help bring awareness to the issue of human trafficking and abuse, the center is happy to make the connection.<\/p>\n
PSC will sponsor its inaugural Helicopter Golf Ball Drop at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in Maunawili. The plan is that 2,000 numbered golf balls will be dropped from a helicopter over a hole on the golf course green. The public is invited to sponsor a ball (or several) for a suggested donation of $20 each. Whichever ball lands in or closest to the hole will win $1,000 for its donor. The golf course is located at 770 Auloa Road.<\/p>\n
“We realize that this fundraiser diverges from the traditional ones most people are used to, like golf tournaments or dinners with silent auctions,” said PSC board member Marcia Caldirola. “In this economy, which is hard on everyone, donors are asked to participate in fundraisers that are often either expensive to produce or expensive to participate in … We wanted to do something different and fun.”<\/p>\n
An unorthodox fundraiser like this, more importantly, means that PSC gets to keep more of the proceeds, thanks to sponsorships and low costs. PSC hopes to generate about $40,000.<\/p>\n
“Almost every dollar we earn from this fundraiser goes toward medical and social services for survivors of human trafficking,” she added, “and not into producing the event.”<\/p>\n
To be a sponsor, or to make a “golf drop” donation, visit pschawaii.org. To attend the event, RSVP to 310-922-0858 or email Caldirola at marciac@pschawaii.org.<\/p>\n
The services provided by PSC are essential, according to PSC founder, Dr. Nicole Littenberg, because so many of the people the organization helps are invisible.<\/p>\n
“Victims of human trafficking and domestic violence may be working in your neighbor’s home or at your favorite restaurant,” Littenberg said. “They may attend your church or work with you. But if they have been threatened and are afraid to come forward, or if the right questions aren’t asked, they will remain trapped in abusive and exploitative situations.”<\/p>\n
She also noted that many victims have “diverse medical needs,” and PSC works to address those concerns. The center currently is pushing to expand services to ensure that no one slips through the cracks.<\/p>\n
Volunteers are welcome for varied tasks, from health-care providers to attorneys to administrative assistants. For more information, explore the PSC website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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