Maui County Charity Walk top nonprofit agencies were recognized at an event reception. Pictured (from left) are: Tetsuji Yamazaki, Sheraton Maui general manager and walk chair; Judy Guajardo of Na Hoaloha; Dan Williams of Westside Hoops; Lisa Paulson, MHLA executive director; and Denise Thayer of Hale Makua.

WAILUKU – The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA) recently announced the final amount raised for Maui County during the 41st annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk: $1,316,956.

Held earlier this year, the events on Maui, Molokai and Lanai under the jurisdiction of MHLA drew over 2,400 walkers. The totals by island are: Maui, $1,227,162; Molokai, $23,432; and Lanai, $66,362. ?

In a special Charity Reception held at The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa on Aug. 2, 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. Top fundraisers were also recognized.

Since the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association started hosting the event in 1980, Maui County has raised a cumulative total of $14.2 million, benefitting hundreds of nonprofit organizations on Maui, Molokai and Lanai.

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 fourth year in a row. The additional funds enabled us 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 2, 2020 on Molokai and Lanai, and May 9, 2020 on Maui.