County Charity Walks Raise Record Breaking $613,025
By Wendy Osher
Maui County raised a record breaking $613,025 to benefit the local community during the 34th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walks held in May. Events on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai drew over 2,750 walkers.
In a special Charity Reception held at the Grand Wailea yesterday, 84 non-profit organizations were honored in appreciation for their participation in the annual event, which emphasized and validates the visitor industry’s commitment to the community.
The largest individual fundraising award went to Mitch Mitchell of Hale Makua, who alone raised $10,660. Other top contributors included the following:
Highest Individual Fundraising:
- Mitch Mitchell, Hale Makua – $10,660
- Peter Tierney, SPCA – $10,445
- Suzie Moore, Kahana Falls – $6,775
Top Non-Profit Agency Collectors:
- Hale Makua – $33,020
- Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation – $21,804
- SPCA – $18,797
Business Raising the Most:
- HC&S – $11,372
- Bank of Hawaii – $9,912
- Avis/Budget Group – $4,456
Property Raising the Most Per Capita:
- Kahana Falls – $257 per employee
- Grand Wailea – $219 per employee
- Maui Condo & Home – $200 per employee
Property Raising the Most:
- Grand Wailea – $100,001
- Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa – $26,317
- Royal Lahaina Resort – $16,570
Statewide, over a $1.4 million was raised via walks in Maui County as well as those held on Oahu, Kauai, and Hawai’i Island.
Visitor industry officials say Maui continues to raise more dollars per capita than any other island. For the third year in a row, Maui also raised more money than any other island in the state.
“Our industry remains committed to providing for and positively impacting the lives of the people of Maui County,” said Carol Reimann, Executive Director for the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association in a statement.
“This year, we are thrilled to have raised $120,725 more than last year which has enabled us to award significant and valuable funding to 84 worthy Maui County organizations from the event’s proceeds,” she said.
The range of services provided to recipients reaches children and the elderly alike, and includes athletic organizations, service-related agencies, health care services and housing assistance.
“It is our goal to impact many lives by supporting a variety of charitable organizations that provide valuable services, and to ultimately improve our community,” said Reimann.
The next Visitor Industry Charity Walk has already been scheduled for May 4 on Molokai and Lanai, and May 11 on Maui.