Top nonprofit agencies were recognized at the reception; pictured, from left, are Genevieve Ruvald of Westside Hoops, Lisa Paulson of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, Ryan Nobriga of The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas, U‘i Cordero of the Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation, and Jeff Rogers of the Lahainaluna High School Foundation.

WAILUKU – The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association announced the final amount raised for Maui County during the 40th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, which broke records across the state and exceeded MHLA’s $1,000,000 goal for a third year by reaching an impressive $1,422,535.

Held earlier this year, the events on Maui, Molokai and Lanai under the jurisdiction of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association drew over 3,000 walkers.

After all donations were counted, the totals were: Maui, $1,367,405; Molokai, $17,276; and Lanai, $37,854.

In a special Charity Reception held at The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas on Aug. 9, 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: Dan Williams, Westside Hoops, $45,980; Joyce Kawakami, Feed My Sheep, $26,200; and Dr. Mary, Hale Kau Kau, $24,013;

Business Raising the Most Funds: Bank of Hawaii, $6,419; VIP Food Service, $4,255; and Central Pacific Bank, $2,300;

Nonprofit Raising the Most Funds: Westside Hoops, $136,190; Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation, $111,202; and Lahainaluna High School Foundation, $94,961.

Hotel Property Raising the Most Per Employee: Maui Condo & Home Vacations, $483/employee; Kahana Falls, $263/employee; and Wailea Point Village AOAO, $91/employee;

Property Raising the Most Funds: Grand Wailea Resort & Spa, $54,000; Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas, $40,201; and Hyatt Regency Maui, $32,766.

Restaurant Raising the Most Funds: Tri-Star Restaurant Group, $7,000.

The Charity Walk is one of the largest single-day fundraising events in Hawaii.

Statewide, in 2018, over $2.5 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 ninth year in a row Maui raised more money than any other island in the state.

Since MHLA started hosting the event in 1980, Maui County has raised a cumulative total of $12.9 million, benefitting hundreds of nonprofit organizations on Maui, Molokai and Lanai. All the funds raised on Maui remain in Maui County to benefit the local community and residents.

The annual Charity 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 our residents of Maui County,” said Lisa Paulson, MHLA executive director.

“We are thrilled to have surpassed the one million dollar mark for the third year in a row. The additional funds enabled MHLA to award significant and valuable funding to 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 4, 2019 on Molokai and Lanai and May 11, 2019 on Maui.

For more information, contact MHLA at 244-8625 or info@mauihla.org.