2 ONO-LICIOUS | DECEMBER 9, 2016 IN THE SPOTLIGHT Denny’s Kona Gives Back to the Community PROJECT COMPASSION HAS GENERATED MORE THAN $200K FOR LOCAL NONPROFITS The holidays are a time of giving, and at Denny’s Kona, charitable giving takes place all year long. Co-owner of Denny’s Kona since 2003, Ali Isaac Sahito, along with his business partner, A.J. Keshap, host an ongoing community fundraising program, Project Compassion, which has generated more than $200,000 for local nonprofit organizations since its inception in 2009. The dozens of beneficiaries have included: Special Olympics, Family Support Services, Arc of Kona, Hospice of Kona, Rotary Foundation, West Hawaii Community Health Center, Three Ring Ranch, Bridge House, Full Life, and Kealakehe Neighborhood Watch, to name a few. For groups that participate in Project Compassion, the restaurant donates 20 percent of all sales generated from events that are usually held during peak hours on Sundays, which according to Ali, is their busiest day of the week. “These are fun and interactive events for everybody involved,” Ali said. “Sometimes groups will bring in local celebrities or civic leaders to assist with table service. They become ‘servers for a day,’ taking orders and conversing with the customers. I’m hands-on with every event to make sure everything runs smoothly.” Having worked for 20 years for Denny’s Corporate, and also owning his own franchises on the mainland, Ali came to Kona in 2003 to help transform the previous Denny’s into BY KAREN ANDERSON SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII Co-owner of Denny’s Kona, Ali Isaac Sahito, puts the focus on charitable giving. Karen Anderson/ Special to West Hawaii Today Continued on page 3 Word on the Str(eat)! Denny’s “Delicious affordable food! I ate at the Kona Denny’s a couple of times when on a vacation from Australia. The dining room is pretty neglected but is clean. The view to the ocean is magnificent and the service was exceptional. In fact my experience at Denny’s was the best genuine hospitality I received on my two week vacation in Hawai’i. I would definitely recommend eating here and getting the turtle share sundae for $4! So yum.” sc0tty_aus, Brisbane Australia DENNY’S KONA Denn’-Kon Lov Chr tm Parad! Our Denny’s Ohana & Staff will be marching in the Kailua-Kona Christmas Parade. TOMORROW, DECEMBER 10, AT 5PM. We’ll be giving out goodies bags and coupons to you! Come see Miss Grand Slam 2016 and Miss Junior Grand Slam at the Parade! Denny’s is proud to sponsor non-profi t local charities. For further contact, please call Kara or Ali Sahito at Denny’s. 808-327-2184 KIDS EAT FREE EVERY SUNDAY & TUESDAY between 4pm to 10pm *See restaurant for details. Limit two free kid’s entrées from the Kid’s menu per one adult entrée and beverage purchase. Children must be 10 years old or younger and accompanied by an adult.
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