2016 ISSUE 2
FACE S OF
Philanthropy
Jimmy Nishida and Kimberlin Blackburn at their home in Wailua.
Celebrating Philanthropy Every Day Along with many of their fellow island residents, Kimberlin Blackburn and her husband James “Jimmy” Nishida thoroughly enjoyed the celebration that was held on Kaua‘i this past spring to honor Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s 100th anniversary. It was one of five such events held across the Islands ... all of them with a Gallery of Giving display celebrating the role that philanthropy has played in our community over the past century. Kimberlin was one of ten artists commissioned to create a work of art for HCF’s centennial on the theme of generosity. While the display of Kimberlin’s beaded piece, Sharing Nature’s Gifts, made it a special evening for the Wailua couple, so did the photos and stories featured in the Gallery of Giving. Jimmy was most impressed by the examples of regular people — including many from Kaua‘i — who were motivated to help others. After learning more about HCF, Jimmy decided that the very best way to honor his sister Naomi (who died in 2012 when she was only 61), would be to establish a scholarship at HCF in her honor. “My sister, who spent her whole career in the DOE, was happiest when she was with the kids — whether teaching math, coaching cheerleaders, or mentoring students who often became her lifelong friends.”
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She will not be forgotten by the many students whose lives were changed.