Local community volunteer Muffet Callender was named Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser during The Association of Funding Professionals Aloha Chapter’s 2020 National Philanthropy Day virtual conference and awards on Thursday.
Nominated for the award by Parker School, Callender was honored as one of Hawaii’s outstanding leaders in philanthropy for giving their time and talents to make Hawaii thrive.
“For the past 15 years, Muffet has applied her high energy, generous spirit, and community connections to help Parker School,” says Stephen Dunn, Parker School Head of School. “She founded our annual auction gala, known as Kahiau, which means ‘to give generously from the heart.’ This event benefits the nearly 50% of Parker families and students who rely on financial assistance and who enrich the Parker experience for all.”
Since Kahiau’s founding in 2006, more than $3 million dollars in financial aid has been raised for Parker School, an independent, college preparatory, K-12 school in Waimea.
Callender became involved with Parker School in the early 2000s when her husband served on the school’s board of directors and three of her grandchildren attended Parker.
“I just fell in love with the school and its feeling of ohana,” she said.
Growing up on Maui, Callender comes from a family of philanthropists and has proudly continued this legacy by giving generously of her time to numerous organizations over the years including North Hawaii Community Hospital, North Hawaii Hospice, and the Helen Woodward Animal Center in California.
AFP’s Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award goes to the individual who not only gives of their time to charitable organizations, but also demonstrates exceptional skills in coordinating and achieving a significant impact on Hawaii communities.