Locations Foundation Partners with HUGS for Annual Celebration of Life Event
On a Sunday morning in September, Locations Foundation volunteers proudly partnered with HUGS (Help, Understanding & Group Support) to support their annual Celebration of Life event at Sunset Ranch on Oahu’s North Shore.
This heartfelt event brought together 26 families who have experienced the loss of a HUGS child to share stories, honor memories and find comfort in the presence of others who have walked a similar path. The serene surroundings of Sunset Ranch set the perfect backdrop for this meaningful day. Families were invited to plant a tree in the Memorial Garden in remembrance of their loved ones, a tradition graciously offered by the ranch’s owner. The Locations Foundation team assisted with serving lunch, coordinating activities and helping families to plant trees.
Locations Foundation volunteers included Jennifer Li, Priscilla Wassman, Fred Ushijima, Tom Mukai, Dancetta Feary, Bernadette Hanna, Cindy Fullmer, Robyn Kauka, Jo Ann Foulkes, Megumi Nekotani and Dan Padua. Everyone played a crucial role in making the day a success, but a special mention goes to Dancetta, who spent two months preparing Monarch butterflies for the families to release in honor of their loved ones. It was a beautiful and poignant moment that touched everyone in attendance.
This year, we were especially grateful that Locations President and CEO Corbett Kalama attended the event. Corbett visited the memorial garden, shared his personal thoughts and experiences with HUGS families and offered a moving blessing. Maureen Purington, Executive Director of HUGS, noted, “Corbett’s blessing connected his heart to our families and theirs to his. We all shared a very beautiful moment together.”
This gathering holds a special place in the hearts of our Foundation volunteers. Year after year, many return to help support this incredible cause. It is a day of reflection, healing and togetherness that we are so proud to be part of. The event has a deep impact on everyone involved. It’s not just about planting trees or serving lunch—it’s about honoring memories and standing in solidarity with these families during their healing journey.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s Celebration of Life event, and we remain committed to supporting HUGS and the families they serve in any way we can.
About Hugs
HUGS was founded in 1982 by a small group of volunteers at Unity Church on Oahu who recognized the many challenges and stressors that families with seriously ill children face. They noticed families who were constantly challenged financially, spiritually, emotionally, and by many other issues related to their child’s condition. They felt families shouldn’t have to go through this journey alone. They envisioned an organization that would provide support, compassion and aloha to these families.
Over the years, HUGS has grown to meet the emotional and financial needs of more families from across the state, helping them cope with the effects of a childhood illness. HUGS serves Hawaii children, ages birth to 21 years, who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness that ranges from cancer, cardiac issues, and liver and kidney ailments, to chromosomal defects.
Locations Foundation Spreads Joy at Special Olympics Hawaii Athlete Victory Dance
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the University of Hawaii Dance Studios were filled with music, laughter and celebration as athletes from across the islands came together for the Special Olympics Athlete Victory Dance, part of the 55th Annual State Summer Games. This milestone event honored the achievements of Special Olympics participants, and thanks to our dedicated Locations Foundation volunteers, the evening was made even more memorable.
Celebrating Hawaii’s Everyday Heroes: 2025 Locations Foundation Teacher Awards
Every day, school teachers across the Oahu dig deep into their own pockets to make learning come alive—buying art supplies, funding field trips and turning classrooms into laboratories for imagination. The Locations Foundation Teacher Awards Program was created to ease some of that financial burden, while giving our Foundation donors a chance to highlight the educators who have touched their lives.
Locations Foundation Partners with Hawaii 3Rs to Support Pearl City Highlands Elementary
On a sunny Saturday morning in April, a cheerful crew of Locations Foundation volunteers gathered at Pearl City Highlands Elementary for a hands-on volunteer event in partnership with Hawaii 3Rs. Armed with brushes, buckets of brightly colored paint and a strong sense of aloha spirit, the group came ready to make a difference.
Locations Foundation Supports Kaiulani Elementary’s Kids Heart Challenge
February is American Heart Month, and the Locations Foundation was proud to support Ka'iulani Elementary School’s American Heart Association of Hawaii Kids Heart Challenge day. This special event encouraged students to stay active, have fun and learn the importance of heart health through engaging activities.