Ken’s donates $15K to Weinberg Center

Hospice of Hilo’s new Pohai Malama a Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Care Center Capital Campaign has received a $15,000 donation from Ken’s House of Pancakes.

The gift will be used to help the care center meet its needs during the challenging opening phase of operations.

Since August, the care center has been receiving patients. The 14,140-square-foot state-of-the-art, home-like care center is the first one of its kind on a Neighbor Island and is designed to compassionately meet the end-of-life needs of the Hawaii Island Community.

Ken’s House of Pancakes General Manager Debbie Maiava knows first-hand the kind of high quality compassionate support hospice care can provide.

“Hospice care in our home ensured that we were giving my dad the best care we could provide for him, and it allowed our family to witness his passing in a way that enriched us with the priceless experience of knowing death as a beautiful part of living,” Maiava said.

“We’re so grateful to Ken’s House of Pancakes. Their gift allows us to meet the start- up costs associated with hiring and training new staff, meeting service expenditures while going through the start-up Medicare probation period, and addressing nominal facility and maintenance costs,” said Hospice of Hilo coordinator An Umamoto.

“Hospice of Hilo’s new inpatient facility is expertly designed to provide compassion, serenity and functionality. Ken’s House of Pancakes, my family and I are proud to be a small part of its great efforts to make a difference on the Big Island,” Maiava said. “We humbly challenge all our local businesses to join us in supporting Hospice of Hilo’s Capital Campaign. It is definitely a worthwhile endeavor. Please be a part of helping them reach their goal.”

“Mahalo to Ken’s. For over 41 years they have been landmark eatery for our community. Hospice of Hilo is so honored to be a recipient of their effort to nourish and uplift the life of our community,” said Brenda S. Ho, Hospice of Hilo chief executive officer.