Hometown Heroes: Hilton Waikoloa Village donates more than $18K to Special Olympics

From left: Simon Amos, general manager at Hilton Waikoloa Village, and Denise Lindsey, Special Olympics West Hawaii area director, pose for a photo marking the donation of $18,166.61 to support athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities. (Courtesy photo/Special to West Hawaii Today)
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Editor’s note: Each Wednesday, West Hawaii Today is publishing a story about individuals, groups or organizations that have helped make life better for others in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hilton Waikoloa Village and its Blue Energy Committee recently donated more than $18,000 to support Special Olympics athletes on the Big Island.

“The generosity from the Hilton Waikoloa Village and the Blue Energy committee shows how compassionate and kind the staff and company are. This donation means the world to us and all the athletes with Special Olympics will be able to maintain their training and competitions,” said Denise Lindsey, Special Olympics West Hawaii Area Director.

Lindsey and East Hawaii Area Director JaNeal Stevens said the donation will ensure the organization can continue to offer high-quality sports and fitness opportunities to individuals with development and

“Due to the pandemic, nonprofits have been hit extremely hard, and it has been unsafe to hold most of our fundraisers,” said Stevens. “Many of our corporate sponsors are struggling to stay afloat and have little to donate to charities. This donation will enable us to further our mission.”

If you want to know more about Special Olympics Hawaii, contact Stevens at easthawaiiad@sohawaii.org, or Lindsey at sowhdenise@gmail.com.

Know a Hometown Hero who should be highlighted next Wednesday? It can be anybody, from a youngster doing good for the community, to a professional helping with the COVID-19 pandemic, or even a kupuna! Please send your nominations to cjensen@westhawaiitoday.com with the subject: Hometown Heroes Nomination. Please include the hero’s name, contact information and what makes them a hero.