The golf tournament’s winning team was Southern Wines & Spirits of Hawaii: (from left) Kiern Cullins, Johnny Krickler, Shawn Wynne and Leo Mallari.

WAILUKU – The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association’s 17th annual “Excellence in Education presented by Southern Wine & Spirits of Hawaii” golf tournament took place on Friday, Aug. 23, at the Kaanapali Golf Course. The sold-out event raised over $20,000 to support youth scholarships.

While the top teams took home some great prizes, the real winners of the event are Maui’s youth. The popular visitor industry event celebrated 17 years of giving back to Maui’s future business leaders by raising significant scholarship funding to the following programs: Academy of Hospitality & Tourism at Baldwin, Lahainaluna and Maui High School; University of Hawaii Maui College Culinary Arts and Hospitality & Tourism; MHLA Member Scholarship Program; and Maui Junior Golf.

“The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association is committed to giving back to the community by providing valuable opportunities to Maui County’s future business leaders,” said Lisa Paulson, MHLA executive director. “We are pleased to raise much-needed funds to invest in our youth and provide them with the necessary tools to make educated choices. It’s important that we support workforce development.”

The top teams received fabulous prizes, ranging from hotel stays to dining certificates to golf rounds to merchandise. The team that placed 17th received first place honors – a tribute to the 17th annual event.

The top ten finishers, listed by order of finish, were: Southern Wines & Spirits Hawaii, PWC Hawaii Corp., Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, Kaanapali Golf Courses, Market Advantage, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, Whalers Village Management, Honua Kai Resort & Spa, Wade’s Gang, and Service Rentals & Supplies.

For information on the tournament, call MHLA at 244-8625.