Aloha!
In Hawaii, pets are part of our ohana. It is our kuleana (responsibility) to nurture them and give them a good life. That’s why it’s so emotionally challenging when we learn that our pet has a serious illness or is injured, and the cost of treatment will put a strain on our already stretched budgets.
The FACE Foundation has been helping pets and their humans in San Diego for more than 17 years. We are so happy that our lifesaving programs are now available to pet families on O’ahu.
Filling a Need in Hawaii
In 2019, Honolulu veterinarian Dr. Erika Sox became aware of FACE Foundation and the support we provide to families in need. Recognizing the need for this service in Hawaii but uncertain how to recreate FACE’s success on her own, she approached FACE and offered to start a pilot program at her practice, Ethos Veterinary Emergency + Referral Center (VERC).
Steady Growth & a New Program Director
After operating a successful pilot program in partnership with VERC, FACE Hawaii is now official and growing. Several more veterinary clinics on Oahu have begun to work with FACE, and our goal is to ultimately expand our lifesaving work throughout all of the islands.
In March 2025, FACE hired Randy Gonce as our first Program Director in the islands, and we are excited about the wealth of experience Randy brings to this position. His top priorities include securing sustainable funding to fulfill FACE’s mission, expanding Hawaii’s veterinary hospital partner network, and increasing public awareness of FACE’s lifesaving programs.
Randy holds two degrees from Hawaii Pacific University: a Master’s in Global Leadership in Sustainable Development and a B.A. in Applied Linguistics (TESOL). He has served on multiple boards such as Hakipuu Academy Charter School, Sierra Club of Hawaii, Partners in Care (Oahu’s Continuum of Care for homeless persons), and the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii. He can be reached at randy@face4pets.org.
Join Us in Supporting Hawaii Pet Owners
In the spirit of laulima (cooperation), please join us in support of our mission. Your donation will remain in the islands to help to ensure that no Hawaii pet dies solely due to financial hardship.
Mahalo nui loa!
