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.
The Hawaii Island Visitor Industry Charity Walk hosted an event Dec. 3 at the Hilton Waikoloa to distribute grants to local nonprofit organizations from around the island. The monies were generated through the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk which was held in a virtual format for the first time this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was blown away by the results of this year’s Visitor Industry Charity Walk,” said HLTA President and CEO Mufi Hannemann. “Despite being limited to a virtual platform, our partners on Hawaii Island did an amazing job in developing new and creative ways to raise money that will undoubtedly help numerous local nonprofits to further their missions.”
The Visitor Industry Charity Walk, which was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, returned this year with strong fundraising performances on each island. In total, more than $2.053 million was raised that has been distributed to more than 100 nonprofit organizations around the state. On Hawaii Island, organizations including Teach for America, Habitat for Humanity – West Hawaii, the Aloha Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and Hawaii Diaper Bank participated in Charity Walk and were awarded grants for their efforts.
HLTA Hawaii Island Chapter Chair Craig Anderson praised Charity Walk organizers including Charity Walk Chair Simon Amos and Coordinator Bambi Lau, noting that “this year’s Charity Walk presented new challenges that organizers and participants met head on. Their efforts resulted in an impressive fundraising haul that will further the missions of numerous Hawaii Island nonprofit organizations that tirelessly serve the local community.”
The Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association is the state’s largest private organization representing hotels, condominiums, timeshares, other lodging entities, suppliers, and related firms and individuals with a connection to tourism. HLTA is dedicated to supporting the hospitality industry through education, political action, and membership benefits, and raising awareness about its contributions throughout the state.
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.
