Local News

Charity Walk raises more than $1.5M for Maui County nonprofits

According to organizers of the annual Charity Walk on Maui, this year's event has raised $1.56 million for 68 nonprofit organizations in Maui County.

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association's 46th Visitor Industry Charity Walk was held Saturday at the War Memorial Special Events Arena with nearly 1,900 walkers taking part in the 2.5-mile walk.

Participants in this year's Charity Walk included visitor industry employees, nonprofit agencies, business representatives and visitors.

Most organizations began fundraising efforts months ago by collecting pledges from friends, family, hotel guests and neighbors.

Fundraising events have included flea markets, lumpia and popcorn sales, golf tournaments, a fun run, and special dinners across the island. There was an on-air radio auction, and at one resort anyone could pay to dunk or pie hotel executives. All proceeds from these fun events benefit the Charity Walk and Maui County.

In the race to make the biggest contribution, the Westin Maui Resort & Spa took top honors for hotel properties with $52,907 in donations received.

VIP Foodservice raised the most in the business category at $22,276. Winning the award in the nonprofit category was the Maui Humane Society team, which collected $354,237.

Among the nonprofits to raise the most funds, Hale Makua was second with $125,967 and Hale Kau Kau took third at $125,587.

The second-place winner for the businesses raising the most funds was Maui Linen Supply ($5,129) followed by Pural Water Specialty Co ($2,600) in third.

Grand Wailea was second among the properties raising the most funds at $47,490 and the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa was third at $41,346.

Following the walk, walkers and sponsors enjoyed a complimentary breakfast, treats, giveaways and local entertainment including a performance by Nuff Sedd, and even organizers expressed their gratitude for the event's sponsors and participants.

"We are extremely grateful to our friends and colleagues in the hospitality industry for coming out today to support the community and this worthy cause. It was beautiful to see the spirit of Maui County today," said John Pele, executive director of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association. "During these turbulent times, to see the commitment made in support of these nonprofits is truly outstanding."

The Charity Walk is the largest single-day fundraising event by a nonprofit in Hawaii with walks held on Oahu, Kauai, Hawaii Island and Maui.

For 16 consecutive years, Maui's Charity Walk has brought in more funding than any other county, and for the ninth year in a row, has brought in over $1 million for Maui organizations, according to the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association.

Funds will continue to be received until the end of May, and final amounts raised will be announced in late summer.