Five Hawai'i citizens who have made an extraordinary impact on the lives of others have been honored this week as Jefferson Award winners for 2007. Their generosity and spirit of selflessness have made them more than worthy of this honor.

Rachel Ariola was faced with a challenge when her son was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. She became a tireless volunteer for the Arthritis Foundation. She finds joy and pleasure in giving back.

Russell Chun had volunteerism instilled in him at an early age, and when he sees a need he responds, whether it is delivering holiday Meals on Wheels, volunteering with Hospice Hawai'i Children's Bereavement Program or other causes. "If you want to do something, you make the time," he says.

Loretta Sheehan, a volunteer for the Domestic Violence Clearinghouse and Legal Hotline, wants people to realize domestic violence is everyone's problem. Sheehan learned from her mother's example that when people support one another, miracles can happen.

Dr. Ramon Sy founded Aloha Medical Mission 24 years ago. In the ensuing years, doctors and nurses from Hawai'i have seen more than 190,000 patients, and performed more than 9,000 surgeries. You get a different feeling from helping others, Sy says.

Masaichi Tasaka, retired chief executive officer of Kuakini Health System, gives his time to Lanakila Rehabilitation Center, the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce, the Japanese Cultural Center, the Caring for Life Foundation, the Palolo Chinese Home golf tournament and the Lions Club.

"We have the responsibility to participate in volunteer activities in the community as a leader, not just at your own organization," says Tasaka.

Strong communities are built by the support and teamwork that these volunteers have displayed. If their example inspires others to fill needs where they see them, they will have given more than they know.

"Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve."


— Martin Luther King Jr.