PHOTOS: Maui United Way Awarded $100K for Partner Agencies

Keith Goto accepts the Corporate Contributor of the Year Award on behalf of A&B. He also made a $100,000 check presentation to Maui United Way during the 45th annual meeting and recognition luncheon. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Maui United Way accepted a $100,000 check from Alexander & Baldwin during the agency’s 45th Annual Meeting and Recognition Luncheon held today at the Kamehameha Golf Course Clubhouse in Waikapū.

Both Alexander & Baldwin and The Bendon Family Foundation were recognized for their contributions of $100,000 each toward the Maui United Way campaign this year.

Maui United Way raised just under $1 million over the past year during its annual campaign, which drew the participation of more than 350 businesses and more than 450 volunteers, said president and chief professional officer Laksmi Abraham.

Alexander & Baldwin presents a $100,000 check to Maui United Way. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The organization has since added a number of new partner agencies including the Book Trust, Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, Lahaina Arts Association, Pāʻia Youth & Cultural Center, PATCH, PACT, and Special Olympics, bringing to 40 the total number of partner agencies that Maui United Way serves.

Abraham took the opportunity to thank the various partner agencies and supporters for the donations and services that they provide and explained that the campaign slogan to “Live United” means to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.

“It means we are willing to invest in our friends, neighbors, and community.  It means that we care about influencing the conditions of all to ensure everyone has hope in their time of need.  Maui United Way is at the heart of this belief, working to ensure people care for one another, unite to solve problems, and encourage the importance of giving,” said Abraham.

Maui United Way issued Campaign Excellence Awards to three companies for their fundraising efforts this past year including: Ameron Hawaii, which raised $11,278; Enterprise Holdings, which raised $39,057; Matson Nativation Company, which raised $21,217; and Enterprise Holdings, which raised $39,057. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Executives with Maui United Way took the opportunity to recognize a list of volunteers and community partners with a 10 awards for outstanding service.  The list included the following recipients:

• Outstanding Volunteer: Michael Duncliffe for his work contributing technical support to  keep the agency’s computers running for the last five years.
• Campaign Excellence Award: Matson Nativation Company, which raised $21,217, increasing their contribution by 98%.
• Campaign Excellence Award: Ameron Hawaii, which raised $11,278 and surpassed employee giving on all other neighbor islands.
• Campaign Excellence Award: Enterprise, Alamo and National Holdings, which raised $39,057 and increased their campaign by 8.2%.
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  Judge Richard Bissen (left) installs new officers to the Maui United Way Board including: (L to R) Stephen Kealoha, Chair; Paul Mizoguchi, Vice Chair; Scott Blaine, Treasurer; and William Nill, Secretary. Photo by Wendy Osher.

  Community Partner Award: Meyer Computer Inc., which built the Maui United Way website and provided web and email support for the last five years.

• Partner Agency of the Year: Women Helping Women, which raised $2,515.  They were presented with a $1,000 check as part of the award.
• Hotel of the Year: Marriott Maui Ocean Club, which raised $18,906.  This is the sixth consecutive year that they have been honored with this award.
• Bank of the Year: First Hawaiian Bank, which raised $12,542.
• Campaign of the Year: Maui Electric Company, which raised $64,350.
• Foundation of the Year: The Bendon Family Foundation, which contributed $100,000 this past year, and more than $343,000 over the last 10 years.
• Corporate Contributor of the Year: A&B Inc., which gifted $100,000 to Maui United Way during the award ceremony, and has contributed more than $1 million over the years, representing 10% of the Maui United Way fundraising campaign total each year.   Company affiliates include Kahului Trucking & Storage, HC&S, East Maui Irrigation Company, Matson, and A&B Properties.

L to R: Laksmi Abraham, Deanna Davis, Susan Bendon and Mayor Alan Arakawa. Bendon accepts the Foundation of the Year Award for The Bendon Family Foundation, which contributed $100,000 to Maui United Way this year. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Maui United Way Executives say the organization benefited from more than 1,869 volunteer hours, ensuring that 73,744 services were offered to those in need over the last year.

Other highlights over the past year included the following:

• Last July, Maui United Way collected more than 500 school supplies for kids in need.
• In November, the organization hosted its first-ever 12@Twilight Golf Tournament, drawing more than 100 golfers, and raising more than $8,000.
• In December Maui United Way hosted its annual Holiday Toy Drive in partnership with Pacific Media Group, which brought in more than 1,000 toys for keiki in need during the holidays.
• In January, Maui United Way worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure that $28,000 in federal funding was allocated responsibly in Maui County.
• In March, the organization mobilized more than 300 volunteers for the Color Run, raising an estimated $8,000 through the event.

Maui United Way, outgoing board chair, Deanna Davis. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Outgoing Board Chair Deanna Davis also honored fellow board member Lahela Aiwohi with the Norman Ahakuelo Labor Award for her work with the United Public Workers union.

During her closing address, Davis gave everyone in the room a high-five saying, “I wanted to touch you all,” before stepping down from the post, “because the many lives you have touched  through donations and the services you provide.”

During the meeting, the agency also installed new officers including: Stephen Kealoha, chair; Paul Mizoguchi of House Mart, Ace Hardware & Ben Franklin Stores, vice chair; Scott Blaine of Goodfellow Bros., treasurer; and William Nill of Boeing, secretary.