County Charity Walks Raise Record Breaking $613,025

Charity top fundraisers recognized: Matt Bailey, Charity Walk Chairman, Peter Tierney of SPCA, Carlayna Nakamura & Mitch Mitchell from Hale Makua; Alison Wolton and Lisa Varde from the Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation and Carol Reimann of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association shown with the large presentation check announcing record-breaking funds raised during Maui County Charity Walks. Courtesy photo.

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:

1. Mitch Mitchell, Hale Makua – $10,660
2. Peter Tierney, SPCA – $10,445
3. Suzie Moore, Kahana Falls – $6,775

Top Non-Profit Agency Collectors:

1. Hale Makua – $33,020
2. Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation – $21,804
3. SPCA – $18,797

Business Raising the Most:

1. HC&S – $11,372
2. Bank of Hawaii – $9,912
3. Avis/Budget Group – $4,456

Property Raising the Most Per Capita:

1. Kahana Falls – $257 per employee
2. Grand Wailea – $219 per employee
3. Maui Condo & Home – $200 per employee

Property Raising the Most:

1. Grand Wailea – $100,001
2. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa – $26,317
3. Royal Lahaina Resort – $16,570

Inspiration Award winner Phyllis McOmber shown with Diana Shaw of the Lanai Community Health Center. This award recognizes an individual who not necessarily raises the most money, but who has a compelling story that best exemplifies the true spirit of giving. She was a founder of the Lanai Community Health Clinic in 2008– their goal to ensure that Lanai has good quality, low cost heath care. Courtesy photo.

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.