Tinian raises over $1.8K anew for Yolanda victims

Two separate fundraising events on Tinian managed to raise more than $1,800 anew for relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Haiyan that devastated the central Philippines early last month.

United Filipinos Association on Tinian held a bingo fundraiser last Nov. 30 in collaboration with Tinian CARE Club and the Tinian Mayor’s Office.

UniFil president Rodney Cabarles said the event was a complete success with a total of $1,389 raised.

He thanked all the officers and members of UniFil who worked hard during the bingo fundraiser. He also thanked the donors for the food and drinks, including Ate Edna of Kerida’s, Ate Mercy, Edna Cruz, Susan’s Creations, JC Café, and UniFil officers. He also recognized Tinian government department heads that donated prizes in support of the cause.

In the morning of Nov. 30, the Tinian Marianas Lions Club and the National Honor Society and prospective LEOs also held a pledge walk fundraiser at Taga Beach.

The LEOs were led by vice president-elect Kyle Sandbergen and treasurer-elect Gizelle Kwon. President-elect Ellimae Almogela was on Saipan to attend the Diocese of CK Youth Camp but she was still able to raise a substantial amount for the cause.

UniFil adviser Paul Madriaga said the students were able to raised $500 for Yolanda victims; this includes a donation made by Nepal national Kedar Shrestha. He said the money collected would be turned over for endorsement to a chosen beneficiary.

The Tinian Marianas Lions Club also gave free blood pressure check and free blood sugar check to the public in observance of Diabetes Awareness Month on Tinian after the pledge walk.

Members of the island’s Lions Club were able to serve 75 individuals. Club president Liz Hofschneider thanked the nurses that volunteered: Sydney Biton, Maricel Cabarles, and Hazel Lenteja.

After the event, the Lions and prospective LEOs had a barbecue for lunch and shared it with the U.S. Marines who stayed after their 5K Fun Run that same morning.

Hofschneider also thanked those who donated: Lot Bunao of JC Café for the chicken, Vivian Hofschneider for the pork ribs, Paul Madriaga for the water, Jackie Mendiola for paper products, Susan Cruz, Jonah Lagota, Fely Almogela for the food, and the St. Michael’s Day Care staff for helping.

Cabarles also gave thanks to Patrick San Nicolas and staff of SN-5 for shipping free of charge the 60 boxes of assorted canned goods, used adult and kids clothing, blankets, and shoes donated by the Tinian community for Haiyan victims. The donation was shipped early this week and received by LBC Mabuhay on Saipan through the help of United Filipino Organization president Annamae Adaza.