In 1974, the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association sponsored the “Superwalk” to benefit one charitable organization. Its members voted five years later to extend the reach of support to include many not-for-profit groups. In 1974, the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism
In 1974, the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association sponsored the “Superwalk” to benefit one charitable organization. Its members voted five years later to extend the reach of support to include many not-for-profit groups.
Not only did the walk go on to become an established annual event in Hawaii, it also gave residents a whole new way to learn about and contribute to charitable causes in their community.
Hundreds of people are expected to participate in 34th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk Saturday at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. The goal is to raise at least $175,000 for 50 to 60 local organizations and schools, said Bambi Lau, of the Hilton Waikoloa Village, who is helping organize the event.
“Many of us in association believe the economy is coming back. Still, these groups have not been funded as heartily as they once were,” Lau said. “We want to give them an extra boost so that they can continue providing the important work they do. Personally, I have lived here my whole life and know many people, including friends, who have benefited from the services offered by these organizations. This walk is a chance for all of us to band together and give back.”
The mission of the Visitor Industry Charity Walk is “to help build a better, healthier Hawaii for all of us.” Described as one of the largest single-day fundraising events in the state, it occurs every May on Oahu, Hawaii Island, Kauai, Maui and Molokai.
Nearly 11,000 participants in 2011 raised more than $1.155 million. Last year’s 1,000 walkers on Hawaii Island raised $161,000, of which $155,000 was awarded to 45 groups, including the Onizuka Space Center, Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii, Special Olympics, advoCATS and Boy Scouts of America. The remaining funds paid for the event, Lau said.
Each group submits a grant application to the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, which preselects its beneficiaries prior to the walk. Allocations are determined on the basis of donation impact and vary depending on the scope or size of work. The 2012 recipients had not been selected as of Thursday, Lau said.
With a theme of “Put your best slippah forward,” this year’s walk begins and ends at the Queens’ MarketPlace in Waikoloa. Registration starts at 6 a.m. Saturday, but can be done throughout the event. The cost to participate is $25 for children and $35 for adults, Lau said.
Runners will begin at 6:30 a.m., followed by walkers 30 minutes later. Participants will be treated to food, drink, entertainment and information about the groups at booths stationed along the 4-mile route. Hawaii Island hotels and beneficiaries run the booths. Keiki activities and prizes, including a grand prize featuring 34 items, will also be offered during the event, Lau said.
“This is a fun family event for a good cause,” she said. “Whatever you put out there will come back to you three-fold.”
To sign up or for more information, call Lau at 886-2884 or visit charitywalkhawaii.org.
