Rotary Club of Pago Pago delivers 15 hospital beds to Hope House

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Rotary Club of Pago Pago presented 15 modern hospital beds to Hope House on Saturday, June 27, capping a community fundraising effort that asked local families and businesses to sponsor a bed for $1,000 each. Hope House, operated by the Catholic Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago, has served the infirm, disabled, and elderly in American Samoa without regard to faith since 1987. Hope House Director Salaia Tuileta said the facility currently cares for 27 residents, a sharp increase over the past year, making the new beds especially welcome. The presentation ceremony was held in the Hope House atrium, where residents gather daily for fresh air and activities. About 60 people attended, including Hope House staff, residents and caregivers, and representatives of the 15 donor families and businesses who funded the beds. Each bed carries a plaque recognizing its donor: Malaeimi Mart Skyview Inc. / Ricky & Faletaū Nomura and children YSJ Limited Shiu & Premila Dutt Tutuila Store Inc. Worldwide Tours & Travel Inc. Dr. George and Barbara Schuster & Family Leinani Mae Tafiti and Jax Ioane Tafiti In memory of Lefaga Soliai Beaver Island Cargo Support In memory of Talilua Litia Kupa Aeto Fale Weilenman Island Flowers by Liana In memory of Lefaga Soliai Beaver In memory of Roy J.D. Hall Sr. and Toaiva Ofoia Hall Hope House Board Chairman, Fagaima Larry Sanitoa, welcomed the Rotarians and donors and officiated the ceremony. Rotary Club of Pago Pago President Raymond Dāvid formally presented the beds to Hope House administration and residents. Roy J.D. Hall Jr., Chairman of the club's International Services Committee, identified Hope House's need and handled the funding, logistics, and coordination behind the project. Hall also shared the property's history, recalling a visit decades earlier with Otto Haleck and Cardinal Pio, when the land was still wild bush. Cardinal Pio had pointed out where everything would go: the garden, the senior living residence where the group now stood, the Cathedral, the Retreat Residency, and the Recreational Hall. Hall noted that the vision Cardinal Pio described that day stands in full today. Father Jeudiel Galvo, representing Bishop Kolio, blessed the beds and those gathered with holy water. In his remarks, President Dāvid spoke about the personal ties many Rotarians have to caregiving, recalling family members who worked in nursing and care. He pointed to Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self," as the guiding spirit behind the project, and thanked the donors and his wife, Florence, for supporting the important work. He closed by thanking Roy Hall and Jacqueline Hall for their work getting the beds sorted. Salaia Tuileta closed the ceremony by leading Hope House residents in a traditional song of thanks. Sanitoa and Father Jeudiel also offered closing remarks, and President Dāvid responded with the club's appreciation for Hope House's hospitality and a promise of Rotary's continued commitment to the residents. (Source: Rotary Club of Pago Pago) Section: Local News Tags: Rotary Club of Pago Pago
2026-07-02 18:08:04