MDA Dinner: Dad Receives the Courage Award

Saturday, 19 November 2005

A black-tie affair, with a 50's twist, television celebrities, corporate sponsors, silent and live auctions, a martini bar, and a wonderful dinner of shrimp, steak, wine, and a chocolate souffle ala mode for dessert (Of course, I must recount what I ate...it's usually my favorite part of an event!). After I helped Jason shop all day for a tie, shirt, and shoes to go with his suit and 50's hat, we were decked out to a tee, minus the poodle skirt and ribbon tie in the ponytail.

Tonight, held at the Kaua'i Ballroom of the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, was the 5th Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association's "Rainbow of Hope ALS Dinner", a fundraising effort to raise money for research to find a cure for ALS.

Three individuals were honored, including two corporate sponsors and supporters of MDA. Joe Nicolai, of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company and JN Automotive in Hawai'i, received the Bruce Koppel Memorial Award for his outstanding achievements. His company helps to sponsor an annual Aloha Ride, a fundraising effort through riding motorcycles around town. Greg Meier, who helped to open the first Jamba Juice and Starbucks in Hawai'i, was awarded the Humanitarian Award. Jamba Juice sponsors the Banana Man Chase, a 5 K run which benefits MDA. Finally, my dad was awarded the Courage Award. Each year, an MDA client is given this award.

Here is the insert in the program which describes my father:

"John Mau is an example of an outstanding citizen of our community. His kindness to everyone who passed through his life is nothing short of commendable.

John is a graduate of Hawai'i's public school system where he graduated in 1965 from Kaimuki High School. In 1969, he graduated from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, earning a Bachelor of Education degree with a major in physical education and a minor in health.

In high school, John lettered in basketball, volleyball and track, and while at the University of Hawai'i, he lettered in men's volleyball. His interest in sports remained with him throughout his career and the activities he participated in.

In 1972, government service called out to John. There he remained for 32 years until his recent retirement in December 2004. Throughout his career with the Department of Parks and Recreation, John touched the lives of many individuals and organizations, MDA being one of the clients he served. His respect for people brought praise for his fairness and unselfish assistance to the public he served.

His last two assignments with the Department of Parks and Recreation were as Manager of Kapi'olani Park and McCoy Pavilion at Ala Moana Park.

John also served as the President of the Mau Club of Hawai'i from 1987 to 2005.

In October 2004, John was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. His determination to continue enjoying life is unwavering. John is supported by his wife, Bernice, his two children Tanya and Jason, and stepchildren Lindsey and Whitney.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is proud to honor John Mau as this year's Courage Award recipient."

All three of my dad's older brothers dusted off their coats and pants from the closet and came to the formal event this evening. My Uncle Jimmy's family, visiting from California, was able to come, as well as two of Bernie's sisters, and a few close friends of my dad's.

We sipped our martinis, took pictures (It's not very often that us locals get all dressed up for a black tie affair!), and some bought many auction items, from haircuts to paintings to ukuleles! There was one bit of excitement during dinner as my dad's friend Frank started to pass out at the table. My brother, being the trained fireman and all, rushed to his side to check his pulse and breathing, and I called 911, as the hotel security brought their medical supplies until the ambulance arrived. We were all a bit worried as Uncle Frank suffered a heart attack last month. But, Jay made sure he talked to his firemen and paramedic friends once they arrived before they took Frank to the hospital, and we think he'll be okay. Somehow, these days, medical emergencies are becoming all too familiar to me. My cell phone remained in "911 Emergency Mode" the rest of the evening.

Our nerves relaxed a bit, and when they announced my dad to receive the Courage Award, my stepmom asked me and my brother to come up on stage as well. Although my dad did not want to say his speech because he thought he would get too emotional, Bernice did a wonderful job of thanking everyone for supporting MDA and its efforts to find a cure for ALS. Pamela Young and Gary Sprinkle, two local television news anchors and the emcees for tonight's event, presented my dad with the etched crystal award, like receiving the Academy Award statuette.

The night ended with "The Twist" and dancing to other 50's tunes with a live band, receiving kind words and hugs from strangers who wished my dad well, and of course more picture taking to commemorate the evening, as other attendees from the ALS support group (some of whom have already lost their loved ones from ALS but continue to support MDA) pushed my dad in his wheelchair and danced the night away. People shared what "winnings" they had from the silent auction (My Auntie Cynthia from California bought a Japanese framed art print, a haircut for my Uncle Jimmy, and the black leather Harley Davidson jacket for their son Ryan, which will always remind him of my dad when he wears it now.). We took home some ("free") beautiful rose arrangement centerpieces at the end of the evening.

What a beautiful night! ...Not only a night of hope for a cure for ALS, but a celebration of life for sure...And, that's exactly what my dad would want.