By Barry Villamil
I was honored this past Saturday to represent the Pearl City Shopping Center Merchants Association to present the Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club (MLNLC) with a $100.00 check donation in support of community service projects.
On Sunday, December 1, 2024, a wonderful group of MLNLC community service volunteers dedicated their time at the 2024 Annual Pearl City Shopping Center Christmas Parade. Club members helped with parking and directed parade participants towards the awards ceremony held at the end of the parade route at the shopping center near Bank of Hawaii.
I personally presented the $100.00 check donation to MLNLC President Elly Frilles, and MLNLC Past President Dexter Aoki this past Saturday during the club’s Food Drive service project held at Kawananakoa Middle School in Honolulu.
The Food Drive was coordinated by Life Christian Church with MLNLC members volunteering with food drive set-up, distribution, and breakdown. Just under two-hundred families received food donations provided by the Hawaii Foodbank.
Life Christian Church and the Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club partnered in several food drives in 2024 and will continue their partnership in 2025 beginning with Saturday’s food distribution that once again provided nourishment for families in need on Oahu.
Saturday was special for me while representing the Pearl City Shopping Center Merchants Association, as a member of the Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club, and President of the Rotary Club of Pearlridge.
Pearl City Shopping Center Merchants Association
The Pearl City Shopping Center Merchants Association is a dedicated partner and supporter of the Pearl City community via financial support for schools, community organizations, and fun, family-oriented community events.
Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club
The Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club dedicates their time on most Saturdays and Sundays in several communities on Oahu that include environmental, sustainable clean-ups and beautification projects, as well as volunteering with numerous, impactful community fundraisers and events that benefit the community and their ohana.
Rotary Club of Pearlridge
As a Rotarian and a Lion, I am fortunate for the unique opportunity to combine my community service efforts with both global service organizations.
While currently serving as the 2024-2025 President of the Rotary of Pearlridge, I am proud to represent our club, along with other leaders and members in the community.
The RCOP partnership with the MLNLC and Pearl City Shopping Center Merchants Association brings together a bond that thrives today with a bright future ahead in 2025.
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Photos by Barry Villamil
COVER PHOTO:
Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Life Christiann Church Food Drive – Kawananakoa Middle School
Pictured from (L-R) Elly Frilles, President, Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club; Dexter Aoki, Past Presidernt,
Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club; Barry Villamil, President, Rotary Club of Pearlridge
