Restaurant Helps One Of Its Own

Big City Diner in Kailua plans two fundraisers for its former cook, Melarie Templo, who is struggling with brain cancer.

The restaurant on Hamakua Drive will donate 20 percent of its receipts May 29 and June 18 to cover her medical expenses.

Templo, 23, was diagnosed in December with astroblastoma, a rare glial tumor found in her cerebrum, which controls voluntary movement. She has been on leave since then and also has lost her medical coverage.

“It’s our sincere hope that we can once again deliver on helping a special individual,” said vice president Water Enriquez Jr., referring to the local restaurant chain’s many charitable causes. “In this case it really hits home for all of us here, and after years of being a part of the community we hope they can find it in their hearts to support us and our very own.”

People also can help by downloading a special flier at bigcitydiner.com and bringing it on those two dates to any of the chain’s five locations – including Kaimuki, Ward, Waipio and Pearlridge. When the flier is redeemed, the restaurant will donate 20 percent of the meal check to Templo’s medical fund.

Donations by check to Big City Diner, memo Melanie Templo, are welcome at the restaurant’s corporate office, 94-800 Ukee St. Suite 305, Waipahu, HI 96797.