Community can be defined in many ways: It can refer to the particular neighborhood we live in or a place that unifies residents of a certain locale. It can be defined as a coming-together of individuals who share similar goals and interests, or an organized network of people collaborating to create a common agenda. For Bobby Dugar, Operations Admin for Coldwell Banker Island Properties in Hilo, community is about the connections formed from giving back and serving others.
Bobby has been bringing people together and helping others on the Big Island for the past eight years. A Massachusetts native, his community outreach in Hawaii began shortly after he moved to Hilo with his wife Lauren Nickerson in 2012.
An avid swimmer in high school and college, he joined Hawaiian Swimming as a swim official shortly after moving to the islands and went on to serve on their board of directors for four years.
“Hawaii became home after the first few years of living here – after involving myself with the community,” Bobby shares. “That integration has made this place home and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
Over the past few years, Bobby has taken his passion for service and made it his mission to put the spotlight on businesses and organizations that are making positive contributions across Hawaii Island.
In 2018 he joined the Rotary Club of Hilo, where he currently serves as the club services chair on the board of directors. Each month with the “social squad,” a group consisting of Rotary Club members and the public, he helps to raise funds for different chosen community organizations, including the Hawaii Foodbank and the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii.
“Bringing people together to support good causes and introducing them to the work of many organizations in our community is very rewarding,” Bobby shares. “Many organizations go unnoticed, and opening people’s eyes to what is going on around us and boosting awareness is what I enjoy most.”
Every year Bobby brings together local brewers, restaurants, musicians, and artists with the Rotary Club’s Hilo Brewfest, which draws over 1,000 participants and raises upwards of $25,000 annually to support the Hilo Medical Center and Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii.
When not organizing community events, you can find Bobby drumming in his 70s, 80s and 90s rock cover band After Party and chasing his rescue dogs while exploring the island.
“We live in such a wonderfully diverse place. I am surprised every day by what makes me smile,” Bobby says when sharing what he enjoys most about living on the Big Island. “If you want to make Hawaii home, take the time to engrain yourself into the culture and all that it offers. Take a chance on adventure and try something new and you will be pleasantly surprised.”
Our real estate professionals are local experts in the communities they serve. Through our series “Agents in Action,” we’re highlighting the experiences, achievements, and passions that connect our agents to their homes here in the Hawaii. Click here to view more posts related to our campaign At Home in Hawaii.