Visitor Industry Charity Walk raises a record $835,557

Tom Bell, Visitor Industry Charity Walk chairman, and Lisa Paulson of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (center) congratulate Betsy Scheller of Na Hoaloha.
WAILUKU – The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association announced at its recent charity walk receptions the record-breaking amount raised for Maui County during the 35th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk.
The event raised $835,557 – $222,532 more than last year’s previous record-setting amount.
Held earlier this year, the walks on Maui, Molokai and Lanai under the jurisdiction of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association drew 2,782 walkers.
The breakdown of results by island are: Maui – $742,775 with 2,300 walkers; Molokai – $64,554 with 300 walkers; and Lanai – $28,228 with 182 walkers
In a special Charity Reception held at the Royal Lahaina Resort two weeks ago, more than 100 nonprofit organizations were honored in appreciation of their participation in the annual event, which emphasizes and validates the visitor industry’s commitment to the community.

Carlayna Nakamura of the Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation (center) is recognized by Tom Bell and Lisa Paulson.
In addition, participants were recognized for their top fundraising efforts: Individual – Betsy Scheller, Na Hoaloha, $15,165; Peter Tierney, SPCA, $13,692; Mitch Mitchell, Hale Makua, $12,765; Nonprofit – Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation, $65,857.45; Ka Hale A Ke Ola, $65,547.85; Hale Makua, $41,105.63; Business – Bank of Hawaii, $22,773.13; Monsanto, $4,033; VIP Foodservice, $3,592; Property Per Capita – Maui Condo, $408 per employee; Kahana Falls, $257.14 per employee; Kaanapali Beach Hotel, $53.44 per employee; Property – Grand Wailea, $63,530; Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, $26,442; Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, $17,500; Restaurant – Tri-Star Restaurant Group, $7,849.
The Charity Walk is one of the largest single-day fundraising events in Hawaii. Statewide, over $1.6 million was raised via walks held on Oahu, Kauai, the Big Island, Maui, Lanai and Molokai.
Maui continues to raise more dollars per capita than any other island, and for the fourth year in a row, the Valley Isle raised more money than any other island in the state.
Since the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association started hosting the event in 1980, Maui County has raised a cumulative total of $7.5 million, benefitting hundreds of nonprofit organizations on Maui, Molokai and Lanai.
All of the funds raised on Maui remain in Maui County to benefit the local community and its residents.
MHLA is a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 to advocate for the visitor industry. The organization also provides educational opportunities through the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism and scholarships for University of Hawaii Maui College students, and benefits the community through the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, Excellence in Education golf tournament and Kupuna Dinner.
For additional information, contact MHLA at 244-8625 or “mailto:info@mauihla.org”>info@mauihla.org.
- Carlayna Nakamura of the Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation (center) is recognized by Tom Bell and Lisa Paulson.