In this down economy, businesses are still finding ways to support worthy causes such as the ninth annual Windward Ho'olaule'a, taking place Sept. 26 at Windward Community College.

Organizers in the Kane'ohe Business Group had expected a tough sell this year. But just the opposite happened and Herb Lee, event chairman, said it is the sense of community on the Windward side that made it possible.

"I think in bad times people just rally together," Lee said, adding that the ho'olaule'a has added a job fair to the list of activities.

For businessman John Schneck, owner of Custom Audio in Kane'ohe, the decision to help was based on his past experience with the organizers. Schneck said he was asked to set up the stage sound system for less money this year but didn't think twice about helping out because he understands that the economy is affecting everyone.

"They didn't ask me to do it for free," he said. "I think they understand that we have labor to pay and a cost to be at the event that you can't get out of, and as long as they didn't get down to that, we had no issue."

Ameron Hawaii and Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc. are the two major sponsors, donating most of the $25,000 needed to operate the event.

"These are tough times, so it's really important for our community to come together and these kinds of events accomplish that," said Darren Pai, HECO spokesman. "We're proud to sponsor the ho'olaule'a. We're a local company, so we understand how important these events are not only to our customers but to our employees who live in those communities."

It helped that organizers picked a theme, "E Pu Like Kakou (Let's come together as one)," that served to rally support, Lee said.

Proceeds from the event will go toward college scholarships, Lee said. But more than that, the event provides a respite from the worries of a poor economy with free entertainment, activities for kids and local vendors who are also looking for support.

"The business group gets it," Lee said. "They understand that a good education and the relationship with the educational institutions on the Windward side is the key to good business. That partnership over the years has been really beneficial for everybody."

An added sign of support is that businesses have agreed to set up job fair tables in the atrium at the college, said Michael Moser, coordinator of the job fair. Moser said the response from businesses was better than expected given that many businesses are flooded with applications.

"I sense as I talk to the employers they are jumping on the theme of the ho'olaule'a coming together as one and reaching out into the community because everyone is feeling compassion for those who are out of work," he said.