Compiled by Seti
Matua at Samoalives News Alliance Bureau.
Martin Patane,
owner and proprietor of Pyramid Construction was recognized for his goodwill and
selfless service by Utah Valley State College's Wee Care Center. The Wee Care
Center a non-profit organization provides qualified UVSC students with free
day-care services for their children while they are attending classes.
Patane, a longtime resident of Utah and a successful businessman, donated his
time and energy to install a much needed cobblestone bicycle path for the center
after being approached for help by Jenny Kimball, the Center's coordinator and a
neighbor of Patane's. Though she was reluctant to approach Patane at first,
Kimball eventually asked Patane who was more than happy to oblige the Center and
its patrons, stating that he was once a poor, starving student once himself.
With the aid of friends Darren Harris, Wayne Mesake, Terry Brown and Sam
Tausinga, an Officer in the Salt Lake City Police Department, Patane spent six
hours on a Saturday morning completing the project.
"It was great", Kimball says of the men's service. "For him to do this is a
dream come true. It was a really hot day and it wasn't easy work but they were
all so excited about doing the work.”
For Patane to receive this reward comes as no surprise. Patane is known for his
acts of kindness and is quickly building a reputation in the Salt Lake valley as
a reluctant philanthropist. There's the time he donated his swamp cooler (an air
conditioner that uses water to cool homes and is common in dry States such as
Utah) to a lowly writer and his burgeoning family to make their summer months
bearable. There's also the time when he provided gift certificates from area
supermarkets to families in need of groceries.
There are numerous occasions in which Patane has donated his time and energy
without a moments hesitation and always with a smile and a warm handshake.
Martin Patane may be known for his shrewd business sense, but to many he has
become the good Samaritan who provides uncommon and thoughtful services that
warm the heart.
To highlight your Utah Samoan Samaritan, contact
Seti Matua at Samoalives News
Alliance Bureau.