Gas station fundraiser will fuel dreams for local athletes

Drivers can go the extra mile and make a donation at participating Hele gas stations to help athletes with intellectual disabilities train and compete in Special Olympics Hawaiʻi.

Par Hawaiʻi, marketer of Hele and 76 Hawaiʻi, has been hosting the “Fueling Dreams” fundraiser for local athletes for 20 years. To date, the campaign has raised more than $1,057,120 for Special Olympics Hawaiʻi’s athletes and programs.

“We are proud to support Special Olympics Hawaiʻi and the incredible work they do to uplift and empower local athletes with intellectual disabilities at no charge to them or their families,” said John Peyton, vice president of Hawaiʻi retail at Par Hawaiʻi. “The generosity of our customers makes a meaningful impact, helping to sustain essential programs in sports, health, leadership, and inclusion for these athletes in our communities.”

From April 14 to May 26, drivers can donate at the five locations in Hilo, three in Kailua-Kona, five on Maui, and 20 on Oʻahu. The Big Island locations are listed below:

• Hilo
  • 370 Kaumana Dr.
  • 434 Kamehameha Ave.
  • 511 W. Kawailani St.
  • 1698 Kilauea Ave.
  • 1801 Kamehameha Ave.
• Kailua-Kona
  • 73-4796 Kanalani St. Ste. BB
  • 81-6673 Mamalahoa Hwy.
  • 74-5590 Palani Rd. Ste. 30

All donations received from the Fueling Dreams campaign allow Special Olympics Hawaiʻi to continue to provide programs and training for more than 7,000 athletes and Unified partners across Hawaiʻi.

“For 20 years, Par Hawaiʻi has been a driving force in helping us build an inclusive community where every athlete has the chance to shine,” said Dan Epstein, president and CEO of Special Olympics Hawaiʻi. “Their ongoing generosity and dedication fuel the passion, perseverance, and performance of our athletes, both on and off the field.”

Special Olympics Hawaiʻi provides year-round sports programs and training for athletes with intellectual disabilities, free of charge. Since 1968, Special Olympics has been highlighting the talents of people with intellectual disabilities and building an inclusive and unified community for athletes.

Visit the Special Olympics Hawaiʻi website for more information on the organization and the Fueling Dreams campaign.