You can help the Patsy T. Mink Commission carry out its mission to honor and recognize Congresswoman Mink, who died in September 2002, after a long and illustrious public career serving the people of Hawaii and the entire United States.  Please consider making a donation to support the projects currently underway to celebrate Congresswoman Mink’s life and recognize the tremendous gifts she gave to our state and nation.  Through the Commission’s efforts, two specific projects are coalescing to create living and educational programs that embody the spirit and vision of Congresswoman Mink.

The first is a statewide essay or composition competition focused on raising the next generation’s awareness of Congresswoman Mink’s life and work.  It is designed to promote interest and understanding of the broader issues and ideals that motivated her.  An estimated budget of $13,000 is needed to carry out this project.

The second Commission project, cosponsored with the Hawaii State Library and the Hawaii Heritage Center, is a statewide traveling exhibition entitled “Patsy Takemoto Mink: From Maui Plantation Town to Washington, D.C.,” which will visit libraries across the state of Hawaii.  A grant of $20,000 from the Hawaii Council for the Humanities has enabled the Hawaii Heritage Center to begin this project, but an additional “cash match” of $12,000 is needed for full implementation.

The Patsy T. Mink Commission received a modest $10,000 from the State Legislature in 2006.  A portion of that money was spent convening the entire fourteen-member Commission for its initial two-day planning meeting in Honolulu in July 2007.  Subsequent meetings have been held via videoconference with members gathering at donated sites in Honolulu and Washington, D.C.  The initial appropriation has been expended, and while the Commission has submitted requests for additional money, no state funds have been forthcoming.

In short, these two projects to honor the life and work of Patsy T. Mink, a deeply committed legislator and a true trailblazer both in Hawaii and at a national level, need an additional $25,000.

We are asking for your help.  Contributions may be made by check payable to the “Hawaii Heritage Center.”  Please write in the memo line on your check,  “Patsy Mink Project.”  Your checks may be mailed to:

Hawaii Heritage Center

P.O. Box 37520

Honolulu, HI 96837

Thank you.