Online Auction to Benefit Hawaii Red Cross

The Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross has been around since 1917, long enough to have helped people after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, the Hilo tsunami in 1946, and countless hurricanes, earthquakes, and disasters for nearly a century. In fact, they respond to someone in need as often as every four days.

In addition to emergency services and financial assistance, the Red Cross also provides training: first aid, water safety, CPR, AEDs... and it does all this through donations. For all the associations people have between the Red Cross symbol and other emergency response programs, it is not a government agency.

On Wednesday, the Hawaii Red Cross launched an "Awesome Online Auction" to raise funds for its important work, and give donors a crack at some great stuff. The auction is ongoing, and runs through Wednesday, March 11.

There are over 140 items up for auction, including packages for fans of "Hawaii Five-0" (including a behind-the-scenes set visit), hotel stays (including two nights at the Hilton Waikoloa or The Royal Hawaiian), jewelry, clothes, and activities.

The food category is the largest, ranging from Jack in the Box burgers and Papa John's pizza to Mama's Fish House and Roy's Restaurants.

The auction also encourages you to explore beyond Hawaii shores, with international travel packages to Bora Bora, London, and elsewhere.

As of this writing, there are 18 items that haven't received any bids, including stand-up paddle boards from C4 Waterman and wine from Fujioka's Wine Times and Oeno Winemaking.

All proceeds from the online auction will go to the Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross. But if all you need for your money is the satisfaction of supporting a good cause, you can donate directly online as well. For more information, visit the Hawaii Red Cross website, or connect with the Hawaii chapter on Twitter or on Facebook.

Photo courtesy the Hawaii Red Cross on Facebook.