The clothing donations filled three-fourths of the 40-foot container truck.
“It was phenomenal to earn that much in one day,” SAS operations officer Gary Sword said. “We are more than happy with the turnout.”
His group, he added, was overwhelmed by the help they received from the community.
At least 15 volunteers provided two hours of their time in taking calls and asking for donations which were provided through the Bank of Guam.
Dozens attended the telethon to support the fundraiser and to enjoy the entertainment.
Students of Hopwood Junior High School raised funds by asking money from motorists and passers-by.
The students were able to collect $400.
“This is what the Saipan community is — we are good in helping people,” Hopwood’s My Wave club president Marielle Kapileo said.
She is grateful for the efforts of her club members and schoolmates and to the community members who helped them raise funds.
Thirteen members of the Criminal Justice Organization of Northern Marianas College also participated in the fundraiser.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and his wife donated $1,500 while Angelo O. Villagomez of Beautify CNMI! gave $250.
Fitial expressed his gratefulness to the community for contributing to the Samoan relief drive, his Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. said.
Fitial feels a strong sense of sympathy for all Pacific islanders, Reyes added.
Monetary and clothing donations will be accepted until Oct. 31.
Celebration
During the telethon, cultural dancers presented various entertainment numbers.
Hawaii’s singer Willie K. performed his songs, and had the audience singing and dancing during his interpretation of “We Are the World.”
Among those who joined the telethon were Reps. Tina Sablan, Rosemond B. Santos and Education Commissioner Rita Sablan.
“We will never forget this moment,” Sword said.
All donations will be shipped on the first week of November by Saipan Shipping Company free of charge.
Sword said they will be sorting out the clothing donations to make sure they are usable and clean.
“But based on our evaluation, the clothes are all neat,” he added.
Their association also thanked KWAW 100.3 and KZMI 103.9 for their coverage, the Bank of Guam for tracking the amount of cash donations, IT&E for providing telephones, Docomo Pacific for providing shirts and the members of the community for their contributions.
