Maui Visitor Industry Charity Walk Raises $1.2 Million to Help 60 Local Nonprofits

The Maui Visitor Industry Charity Walk distributed $1.203 million in funds to 60 local nonprofit organizations in a ceremony at the Maui Beach Hotel on Monday morning. The funds were generated through the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk which was held in a virtual format for the first time this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Maui Nui emerged again as the top county statewide when it comes to Charity Walk fundraising,” said Mufi Hannemann, president and CEO of the Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association. “The Maui Charity Walk always has amazing engagement and results at all levels—great participation, strong fundraising, and generous contributors. Their consistent performance is the reason we can confidently say ‘Maui nō ka ‘oi’.”

Maui Charity Walk organizers also recognized the top fundraisers in several categories at the event. 

Top Nonprofit Fundraisers
Hale Makua Health Services – $232,744
Hālau Kealaokamaile – $69,237
Maui Economic Opportunity – $58,318

Top Hotel Fundraising Team
Westin Nanea Ocean Resort Villas – $44,579

Top Allied Business Fundraising Team
VIP Foodservice – $15,250 

“The Maui community came out in force and did a fantastic job fundraising during our 2021 Charity Walk. It has been an absolute pleasure to witness our community make the best of a less than ideal situation, and we are beyond proud to be able to support the various missions of our nonprofit partners,” said Maui Charity Walk Chair Chris Rabang who credited all the volunteers and the committee that he headed for producing an exceptional event. 

Maui Hotel & Lodging Association Board Chair Angela Vento said, “I am so grateful to have seen firsthand how everyone came together to continue the Charity Walk’s tradition on Maui of giving in such a significant way.”

Maui Hotel & Lodging Association Membership & Events Coordinator Christine Christensen was effusive in her praise for this year’s Charity Walk participants, stating that she was “beyond impressed by what Charity Walk Maui was able to accomplish this year and cannot wait to see what 2022 will bring. To raise this kind of money in a virtual walk format was incredible and speaks volumes about the people of Maui.” 

“Congratulations to the entire Maui Charity Walk team,” said Hannemann. “They work extremely hard to make Charity Walk a signature event on the Valley Isle that helps countless organizations to continue their missions, and they deserve all the credit in the world.”