Affiliates from four Sotheby’s International Realty offices included (left to right) Ryan MacLaughlin, Island Sotheby’s International Realty; Mary Worrall LIST Sotheby’s International Realty; Paul MacLaughlin, Island Sotheby’s International Realty; Jon Meschke, Sotheby’s International Realty; Debra Blachowiak, Sleeping Giant Sotheby’s International Realty; Dodie MacArthur, MacArthur Sotheby’s International Realty; Mikako Takemura, LIST Sotheby’s International Realty; Micki Eveslin, Sleeping Giant Sotheby’s International Realty; and Megan MacArthur, MacArthur Sotheby’s International Realty.
Affiliates from four Sotheby’s International Realty offices in Hawai‘i gathered at the Honolulu Museum of Art on Friday, Sept. 18, to celebrate the “Art of Giving” and the launch of the Hawai‘i Affiliates of Sotheby’s International Realty Charitable Fund.
Hawai‘i Affiliates of Sotheby’s International Realty united donors and recipients at the museum at their first annual event, which showcased the importance of being a part of the state’s close-knit community and providing support to its people.
Nearly 200 Sotheby’s International Realty agents, staff, clients and invited guests from four islands gathered to celebrate the “Art of Giving” and support the fund, which endows local programs and nonprofits focused on conservation of the natural environment, nurturing education and preservation of Hawai‘i’s unique culture.
“Investment in these three key areas will help make for a better quality of life for Hawai‘i residents and strengthen our communities, which is extremely important to us all,” said Dodie MacArthur, CEO and founder of MacArthur Sotheby’s International Realty. “The Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s goals are our goals.”
Administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, the newly launched fund is a philanthropic endeavor created by four Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates on four islands:
“Because the Hawai‘i Affiliates of Sotheby’s International Realty operate in communities across the state, the kickoff event allowed our participants to come together to recognize donations made to date and gain more inspiration as we work toward greater support of our community,” said Paul MacLaughlin, Island Sotheby’s International Realty principal broker and owner.
Individuals well-versed in “the art of giving” spoke at the event. Tom Kelly, Hawai‘i Community Foundation vice president, spoke on the importance of giving back to the community. Matthew Bauer, COO of KUPU discussed the significance of foundation’s “Flex Grants” for various purposes and how they have empowered Hawai‘i’s youth.
Grant recipient Paul Jackson shared his inspiring story of how this funding enabled him to accomplish his dreams.
Special guest and philanthropist Steve Sue, a successful entrepreneur and the founder of Lemonade Alley, spoke about how giving has shaped his life both personally and professionally.
Attendees also enjoyed the ongoing exhibit “Auguste Rodin: The Human Experience,” sponsored by LIST Sotheby’s International Realty, and Rodin-inspired “living statues” from the Iona Contemporary Dance Theater.
The evening also featured the culinary creations of Chef Russell Siu of 3660 On the Rise, a sushi bar by Yatai Sushi and entertainment by Mango Season.
For more information about the foundation, go online.
