18 November 2009 - “The Friends of the Filipino Community” Advisers, Mr. Felipe Abinsay, Jr, and Councilman Romy Cachola, presented a cheque in the amount of $20,000.00 for Philippine typhoon victims to Ms. Maria Etrata who received the donation on behalf of the Filipino Community Center.
Consul General Leoncio R. Cardenas, who witnessed the presentation of the cheque donation, expressed his appreciation to the advisers and members of the “Friends of the Filipino Community,” an ad-hoc group, for their compassionate commitment to extend all they can to fellow Filipinos affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.
The “Friends…” is composed of Filipino civic leaders Jean Jeremiah, Kini Olegario, Arnold Pontillas, Stephen Callo, Danny Villaruz and Buddy Aquino as members.
The “Friends…” raised funds through solicitations from companies and individuals and through the “Free Concert for A Cause” held on 7 November 2009 at the Philippine Consulate General.
Hawaii’s renowned bands Night Shade, Turning Point, Legacy and Kona Winds gave outstanding performances during the concert. Featured artists Consul Paul Cortes, Angeli Callo, Amado Cacho, Patrick Koh, and Arnold Pontillas also performed pro bono and raised awareness on the continuing need to send donations to the relief efforts. Ms. Maria Aquino Lauer hosted the free concert.
More that 300 people attended the concert, gave donations and bought raffle tickets to win a 32” TV donated by Mr. Felipe Abinsay, Jr, and a round-trip ticket to Manila donated by Kwiky Travel and Tours.
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