The 2018 Maui County Charity Walk chair is Ryan Nobriga.

WAILUKU – The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association last week announced the 2018 Maui County Charity Walk chair, Ryan Nobriga.

The general manager of The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas will oversee the Charity Walks held on Maui, Molokai and Lanai.

“As the 2018 Charity Walk chairperson, it is an honor to represent the residents of Maui County. It is truly a privilege to lead the efforts for what is sure to be another successful year in Maui County,” said Nobriga.

In 2017, Maui County alone raised $1,212,066. For the last eight years, Maui has raised more money than Oahu.

Maui County has also raised more dollars on a per capita basis since 1981.

The Charity Walk is one of the largest single-day fundraising events in Hawaii. Statewide, in 2017 over $2.2 million was raised via walks held on Oahu, Kauai, the Big Island, Maui, Lanai and Molokai.

Since the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association started hosting the event in 1980, Maui County has raised a cumulative total of $11.6 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 via 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.

Mark your calendar for next year’s Visitor Industry Charity Walk on May 5 on Molokai and Lanai and May 12 on Maui.

Beginning in mid-December, nonprofit grant applications can be found online at www.mauihla.org. Additional information can be received by e-mailing info@mauihla.org.