Friday night, May 5, 2017, at the Hilo Hawaiian Moku’ola Room, the contributions of three great “friends” of the FRIENDS were acknowledged and celebrated.

Roselyn Viernes has been working in the Department of Human Services for nearly 31 years. When an allegation of abuse is brought forward through the Police Department, Child Welfare Services becomes involved.  Thank you Roselyn, for yourmany years caring about the welfare of abused children.

Dale Tokuuke, local businessman, has been a “friend” of the Friends for many years. Having grown up in a nurturing and caring family, and still being part of a tight-knit one today with wife Sandy and daughter Erin along with his extended Ohana, it hurts Dale to even think about children who suffer abuse. Dale has been more than generous with his time, talent and donations to the Friends. Thank you, Dale.

And who delivers the help that the Friends give out to victims of child abuse? The staff of this unique private, non-profit agency! When the Friends single paid staff person, Robin Benedict, was involved in a horrific automobile accent a year ago near Christmas time, Drucy Casburn, a faithful Super Volunteer in the Friends office stepped up to keep the business of the Friends going. Working without pay, Drucy put in hours and hours every week, receiving the Needs Requests and managing the day to day workload. What a terrific and unique person! Thank you, Drucy!