In September 1999, eight North Shore area schools benefited from the successful sale of posters, tee-shirts and beverages sold at the Second Annual Hale'iwa Arts Festival in 1999.

Even though the amount of funds available for distribution lost fall amounted to only $200 per school, it was a beginning. At that time the Hale'iwa Arts Festival was finally able to provide support for arts education programs in the North Shore area. These monies were presented directly to the schools to be used for visual or performing arts projects as each school determined.

Recipients were Hale'iwa Elementary, Kahuku Elementary, Kahuku High, Sunset Beach Elementary, Waialua Elementary and Waialua High, Saint Michael's School, and Sunset Beach Christian School.

Application of these funds included: support for music programs at Kahuku, "...grateful for your efforts to keep the arts alive in the community and the schools"; music and art at Sunset Beach Elementary, "...generous contribution ...will be put to good use"; music/fine art curriculum at Hale'iwa Elementary, "...kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness are appreciated by fine arts programs at Waialua High, "...with the state's continuing budget cuts the donation was a much-appreciated gift."

Noteworthy comments from other recipient schools included: "Your continued support and efforts make a huge difference in providing for the needs of each and every student"; "With the support of people such as yourself, we are sure to hove a successful school year. May God bless you..."; "...what a wonderful and generous gesture ...it is truly a blessing to receive such a gift..."; and who could say it better, "Mahalo Nui Loa! Education is still our best investment."

Your support of the Hale'iwa Arts Festival, whether through membership, contributions, in-kind goods and services, grants, corporate sponsorship, or by purchasing our "Cool Stuff to Buy" or a beverage or a food item, renting a booth space, or by becoming a volunteer, all help keep our income up and our expenses down.

With your support and participation in Hale'iwa Arts Festival programs, we will not only continue to produce the annual summer event, but be able to expand our services and financial assistance to the schools and to other community arts efforts.

Just re-read some of the comments from the schools. Even a little can mean a lot.

Together we can make a bigger difference!