Represented by (from left) John, Kristi, Susan and Dr. Jim Bendon, the Bendon Family Foundation has gifted $50,000 to Hospice Maui to establish the island’s first inpatient hospice facility, Hale Ho‘olu‘olu.

WAILUKU – The Bendon Family Foundation has granted $50,000 for the construction of Maui’s first hospice center.

The grant to Hospice Maui will go toward the $6.4 million goal to build Hale Ho’olu’olu (House of comfort, compassion and care) along Mahalani Street in Wailuku.

“It is with great pleasure that the Bendon Family Foundation gives this gift to Hospice Maui. We love and support the mission of Hospice Maui. This is the least we can do for the comfort, compassion and care given to the many families of Maui that Hospice serves,” said Susan Bendon, foundation vice president.

“We cannot begin to give back to the many volunteers and staff who provide this unparalleled service to our terminally ill. We look forward to the day the Hale Ho’olu’olu is opened, so all of Maui’s people will be able to receive hospice services.”

Hospice Maui CEO Greg LaGoy said, “Speaking on behalf of our board of directors, our staff, our volunteers, and the patients and families whom we serve, I am grateful to the Bendon Family Foundation for their most generous gift.

“While we have a long way to go to raise the needed funds, their generosity inspires us, and I hope it inspires others to contribute to this much-needed project.”

Scheduled to open at the end of 2013, the 12-bed inpatient facility will be a place where hospice services will be available for those not currently able to receive them.

According to Hospice Maui, many island residents cannot provide 24/7 care and have a place for their terminally ill loved one. The result is their loved ones pass without the benefit of hospice services.

To learn how to help make Hale Ho’olu’olu a reality, go to www.hospicemaui.org/hooluolu/ or call 244-5555.