UOAA Hawaii Chapter
They come from all walks of life, different backgrounds and different hometowns, but they all have two things in common, they live in paradise and they love the University of Oregon! The UOAA Hawaii Chapter may be one of the smaller chapters, but its commitment to supporting the University and helping current and incoming students is beyond measure.
Led by a dedicated board of directors that number 20 strong, the Hawaii Chapter enjoys events throughout the year, including football watch parties and its annual Ducks on the Beach Silent Auction. The chapter is also very fortunate to have the support of countless Duck Alumni and community members.
The most exciting time of year for the Hawaii Ducks is February when they host their Ducks on the Beach Silent Auction. Chapter members put a lot of hard work and creativity into planning the event and creating one of kind auction items, the majority of which include UO and Oregon themed items and a vast array of Oregon wines. Some of the board members collect items for their donations all year round in anticipation of the annual event.
Barbara Reed Cargill ’62 hosts the event at the Waialae Country Club, where the event has been held annually since 2005. The Pacific Ocean and a Hawaiian sunset provide the perfect backdrop for the auction that benefits the Duane Cargill Memorial Scholarship and Hawaii Chapter Scholarship Endowment Fund.
The 2010 Ducks on the Beach was the Chapter’s most successful auction yet! This year’s auction featured a record 51 items up for bid. The items ranged from UO apparel and autographed footballs to designer clothing and Oregon wines. Many of the auction items were bundled with fun and unique items from the University and the State of Oregon.
Thanks to enthusiastic bidding and generous cash donations, the 2010 Ducks on the Beach raised over $6,000.00 that will fund Hawaii Chapter scholarships and its endowment fund. The Hawaii Chapter is grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s auction a complete success!
Perhaps the most rewarding part of the auction is when it is over and the chapter members decide how many incoming freshman and current UO students from Hawaii they are able to help with scholarships. This year, the board was very proud to announce that through proceeds from the auction and its endowment fund, the Hawaii Chapter is able to fund four scholarships, the most ever awarded by the chapter! Two of the scholarships are earmarked for incoming freshmen, while the other two will go to upperclassmen.
It is the hope of the Hawaii Chapter to improve and grow the auction in the years to come and continue to raise funds to help Hawaii students attend the University they love so much. Chapter members are already planning next year’s event, which is always held at the end of February. If you happen to be in the islands, please stop by to browse the auction items and say aloha to the Hawaii Ducks!