HAWAI‘I – The Hawai‘i Hotel and Lodging Association reports the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk raised a record-breaking $1.15 million following the conclusion of the statewide event on O‘ahu. “This is a great day for Hawai‘i’s nonprofits and the individuals
HAWAI‘I – The Hawai‘i Hotel and Lodging Association reports the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk raised a record-breaking $1.15 million following the conclusion of the statewide event on O‘ahu.
“This is a great day for Hawai‘i’s nonprofits and the individuals who will benefit from this record-setting gesture by the people of our visitor industry,” said Kelvin Bloom, president of Aston Hotels and Resorts and chairperson for this year’s Charity Walk, in a press release. “It’s an unprecedented outpouring of kindness and kokua that exemplifies our aloha spirit. A big mahalo to all of the thousands of folks who participated and gave so generously, especially considering the tough economic times.”
A total of 10,950 walkers on O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i and the Big Island participated in the fundraiser that generates monies for more than 200 local charities.
Kaua‘i’s 1,300 braved the rains and generated $137,000.
Maui raised the most funds of any of the islands this year with $470,100 — a record for the island.
“A lot of heart goes into this event by Hawai‘i’s lodging industry and other members of our tourism community,” said Mufi Hannemann, president of HHLA. “We’re happy to know that the results of our collective efforts will make a positive difference to the hundreds of nonprofits that support people in need across the state.”
The annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk is one of the largest single-day fundraisers in the state, providing opportunity for the visitor industry to collectively give back to the local communities. Since its inception in 1978, it has raised over $23 million for local charities.
