MEO Recognizes Volunteer and Benefactors of the Year

Kai Pelayo, Kaui Awai-Dickson, Chad Goodfellow and Lyn McNeff.

MEO celebrated its 30th Annual Volunteer Luncheon at the MEO Family Center in Wailuku on Friday, Feb. 12, to give thanks to the dedicated volunteers who help the nonprofit with service delivery.

MEO BDC Mike Kern was named the 2015 Volunteer of the Year. He was selected among a list of four nominees which also included: MEO board member Ned Davis; Community Services senior Louise Corpuz; and Youth Services Apalonia Thompson.

Kern was nominated by MEO BDC Director Craig Swift. In his nomination letter, Swift shared a quote from Alec Dingle and David Staelin of MIT School of Business saying, “A fledging business is far more likely to succeed when an idea, a good business plan, and an entrepreneur are matched with mentors who have proven experience.” Swift further stated, “Mr. Kern has proven experience and has generously volunteered numerous hours to support the students over the past several years”.

Craig Swift, Mike Kern, Lyn McNeff and Kai Paleyo

The Benefactor of the Year was shared by two Maui businesses, Goodfellow Brothers Inc. and Maui Electric Company.

In announcing the awards, MEO CEO Lyn McNeff said, “Both companies were instrumental in completing Phase 1-A of the MEO transportation facility.  Goodfellow was the contractor that worked closely with MEO to keep the project on time and within budget. They went above and beyond by painting and reroofing the trailers at their own expense.”

She continued saying, “Maui Electric assisted with moving transmission lines and telephone poles to keep the project on track. They also went above and beyond their scope of work.  MEO is greatful to both benefactors who donated time and money to help move MEO transportation to its new home,” said McNeff.

MEO receives support from more than 330 volunteers on the islands of Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi. Volunteers logging more than 4,200 volunteer hours. Volunteers help MEO achieve its mission of strengthening the community and helping people in need.