HILORBI: Welcome
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Aloha Friends,
As you may know, I have been actively involved in the coaching and fostering of local Big Island youth for many years. Primarily I have used the coaching of young local kids to propel them to better futures through their pursuit of sport. I believe that the lessons learned on the field – help build self-esteem, teamwork and the idea of always improving yourself regardless of your God-given skills.
This past season the Hilo girl’s team that I coach experienced a season of unprecedented success. En route to qualifying for the R.B. I. (Reviving Baseball In Inner-city) World Series and finishing 3rd in the Nation - the girls were also featured on ESPN during a primetime National broadcast. I am so proud of the achievements of these youngsters both on and off the field. Many of them come from broken homes and are considerably disadvantaged when compared with some of their Mainland counterparts who have complete sponsorship or wealthy families to underwrite their travel and team expenses.
It costs considerable monies to field a team from Hawaii because of the travels involved, but it is the only way to compete with the best in girls youth softball. It also represents for many of the Big Island girls - a once in a lifetime experience - to better themselves as people and to proudly represent Hawaii in the National spotlight.
I am asking for your help to make the dreams of a successful 2008 season a reality. The past 2 seasons have established a winning identity for the local girls with a combined record of 52-7, but without local fundraising and sponsorship the team will not have a future in 2008. It costs nearly $50,000 a season to field a team, house, outfit and travel to and from the qualifying Mainland Tournaments. The 2008 schedule includes the Under 18 Hawaii State Tournament, the Colorado Triple Crown, the New Orleans Shoot-out and the RBI Southwest Regional Qualifying Tournament. This ambitious scheduling amounts to 18 days of competition on the Mainland.
If you are able to help support our cause, your great generosity will make a difference in these local girls’ lives.
Yours truly,
James Hirayama
Head Coach, Hilo RBI Softball Team
P.S. We are also lucky to be part of the Boys & Girls Club of Hilo and the League that we represent is dedicated to the memory of Nobu Yamauchi, the legendary Big Island sports figure and former Coach at the Boys & Girls Club of Hilo. Besides our usual fundraising sales of Da School Kine Cookies, Kalua Pig and Lau Laus, we are hoping that your generosity will benefit the team in the form of a tax-deductible contribution. If you believe in helping make a difference in these young girls’ lives, please consider our cause.
Tax-deductible donations can be made payable to: Boys & Girls Club of Hilo.
Please mail your check to:
James Hirayama
526 Ekela Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808)960-0748