Pictured at the charity reception are (from left): Karey Wasano, Maui High School band director; Ann Cua of the Maui High School Band Boosters; Lisa Paulson of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association; Angela Nolan, 2014 Charity Walk chair; Denise Thayer of Hale Makua; and Alison Wolton and Lisa Varde of the Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation.

WAILUKU – The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association announced that the 36th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk set a new record at $939,821 – $104,264 more than last year’s previous record-setting amount.

Held earlier this year, events on Maui, Molokai and Lanai under the jurisdiction of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association drew 3,581 walkers.

Immediately after the walks in May, MHLA reported that Maui County raised $863,542, but funds continued to roll in.

The breakdowns of results by island: Maui, $831,844, 3,196 walkers; Molokai, $66,849, 200 walkers; Lanai, $41,128, 185 walkers.

In a special charity reception held at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas, more than 100 nonprofit organizations were honored in appreciation of their participation in the annual event that emphasizes and validates the visitor industry’s commitment to the community.

In addition, the following fundraisers were recognized for their top efforts: Individual raising the most funds – Randall Desloover, SPCA Maui, $28,582; Mitch Mitchell, Hale Makua Health Services, $21,820; Dan Williams, Basketball Maui, $12,100; Business – Bank of Hawaii, $11,349; VIP Foodservice, $4,374; Maui Vacation Rental Association, $3,808; Nonprofit – Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation, $90,008; Maui High Band Boosters, $56,000; Hale Makua, $55,000; Hotel – Maui Condo & Home Vacations, $316.40 per employee; Kahana Falls, $241.38 per employee; Aston Mahana at Kaanapali, $95.64 per employee; Property – Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, $25,888; Grand Wailea Resort & Spa, $22,000; Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas, $21,025; Restaurant – Tri-Star Restaurant Group, $7,131.

All of the funds raised on Maui remain in Maui County to benefit the local community and its residents.

The annual walk is the visitor industry’s way of giving back to the community. Many MHLA property and business members work year-round to raise funds for this worthy endeavor.

“Our industry remains committed to providing for and positively impacting the lives of the people of Maui County,” said Lisa Paulson, executive director for the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association.

“This year, we are thrilled to have raised even more than last year, which has enabled us to award significant and valuable funding to over 100 worthy Maui County organizations. The range of services of these recipients touches many residents’ lives, from children to the elderly, from athletic organizations to service-related agencies, from health to housing.”

Mark your calendar for next year’s Visitor Industry Charity Walk: May 2, 2015, on Molokai and Lanai and May 9 on Maui.