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Project Compassion raises funds for ailing firefighter

Volunteers for Project Compassion at Denny's.

Volunteers for Project Compassion at Denny's. Photos by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.com

Karin Stanton/Hawaii247.com Contributing Editor

Firefighters, Kealakehe Neighborhood Watch board members and the Konawaena High School girls’ basketball team served their community in a whole new way Sunday evening.

Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira also stopped by Denny’s restaurant in Kona to make sure 15 of the Big Island’s firefighters were making sure the Grand Slamwiches and B.LT.s were delivered to the right tables and coffee cups were kept full.

The evening, part of Project Compassion, was a benefit for Kailua-Kona paramedic Greg Cameron, who is battling cancer. Kealakehe Neighborhood Watch reported the evening netted $2,100 for the Greg Cameron Medical Fund.

Fire Inspector Gantry Andrade waits on a table at Denny's for the Project Compassion fundraiser for a fellow firefighter.

Fire Inspector Gantry Andrade waits on a table at Denny's for the Project Compassion fundraiser for a fellow firefighter.

“He’s in good spirits and thankful that everyone is coming out for him,” said Fire Inspector Gantry Andrade. “Every penny counts.”

 All the tips and 20 percent of each bill between 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. were earmarked to help Cameron’s family meet medical expenses. 

Andrade said the firefighters felt a little out of their depth taking meal orders and carrying loaded trays.

“It makes you appreciate your job a little more. It’s hard here,” Andrade said. “We got our training at 3:55 p.m. and initially we had workers shadow us. My first table, I messed it up. I had sweat beads running down my face.”

By 8 p.m., Andrade and his colleagues were old pros at slinging plates and sodas, although they were eager to return to the fire station and resume their “real” jobs.

Andrade said the firefighters still are fundraising for Cameron. For further information on how to help, e-mail Andrade at gandrade@co.hawaii.hi.us.

20090222_salad-crewAlso chipping in were 10 members of the BIIF Division I championship Konawaeana girls basketball team. The girls previously had helped out at a breast cancer fundraiser and were happy to take time out their preparations for this week’s state tournament.

The Wildcats leave for Oahu on Tuesday with their first game scheduled for Wednesday, 5 p.m. at Kaimuki High School. Konawaena is seeded second behind Punahou and will play against the winner of the first round game between Baldwin and Moanalua. Full HHSAA tournament schedule here.

2 Responses to “Project Compassion raises funds for ailing firefighter”

  1. john warner says:

    great job guys i am proud of all of you great job again dennsy kona you go

  2. Alison Cameron says:

    On behalf of Greg and his family, I would like to thank everyone that was involved in the fundraiser to help our family during this difficult time. We are so touched and appreciative for all the love and support we are receiving from the community.
    Much Mahalo,
    Alison Cameron

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