March 11, 2008
Hawaii’s non-profit organizations will now be able to apply for "The AlohaCare Community Conscience Award" beginning March 31, 2008. This grant is inspired by Frank Chong whose life was a living example of community service. "Frank tirelessly devoted his life to people who are most often forgotten. He was the voice of Hawaii's most fragile and vulnerable citizens. He was the conscience of our community," commented John McComas, chief executive officer of AlohaCare.
Frank served on the first AlohaCare Board of Directors who founded AlohaCare in 1994. Later Frank was elected to AlohaCare Board President in 1995. For more than 25 years, Frank was the Executive Director of the Waikiki Health Center. Then in 2003, he joined the AlohaCare team as Manager of Government and Community Relations. Frank served on numerous boards and committees to benefit the community. He was a familiar face at the State capitol for more than two decades championing causes that made the lives of others better and brighter.
Much of the volunteer work that Frank did involved the American Cancer Society. He gave strength and courage to the thousands of people he came in contact with. For those who watched Frank’s personal battle with cancer this past year before his death on March 8, 2008, he was a remarkable example of hope and the indomitable resilience of the human spirit.
Six organizations will be selected to receive $5,000 each this year to initiate an innovative health care project. For application details click here.