NUKOLI‘I — Forty-seven nonprofit organizations shared in more than $107,000, which was distributed Tuesday by the leaders of the 2012 Visitor Industry Charity Walk during a breakfast reception at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort. The distribution wraps up almost a year
NUKOLI‘I — Forty-seven nonprofit organizations shared in more than $107,000, which was distributed Tuesday by the leaders of the 2012 Visitor Industry Charity Walk during a breakfast reception at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort.
The distribution wraps up almost a year of planning and activities by the Charity Walk committee, hosted by the Hawai‘i Hotel and Lodging Association, Kaua‘i Chapter.
“Overall, the HHLA raised more than $1,000,000 statewide for the 2012 walk,” said Sandi Kato-Klutke, the HHLA Kaua‘i Chapter coordinator. “Kaua‘i did really well and is an example of the community coming together to help each other.”
Kato-Klutke announced the 2013 Visitor Industry Charity Walk goal of $175,000, challenging everyone to exceed that goal and hit a target of $200,000.
Denise Wardlow served as chairperson for the 2012 walk, which took place in May on the grounds of the historic County Building.
“This was definitely a team effort,” Wardlow said. “I consider it an honor to be standing here as the presenter to the different charitable organizations. This is truly all about community.”
But she was not done after distributing the 47 checks to the nonprofits. She was tasked with receiving a contribution from the Bank of Hawai‘i, Lihu‘e branch. The bank’s Kirk Nakamoto said the BOH check represented not only the collection efforts of its employees, but was matched by the Bank of Hawai‘i Foundation.
The Visitor Industry Charity Walk was sponsored by the HHLA in 1974, billed as a “Superwalk” to benefit one major charitable organization, states the Charity Walk website.
In 1978, the HHLA members voted to extend the reach of support offered by the walk’s fundraising capability resulting in the walk as walkers and beneficiaries know it, today — one of the largest single-day fundraiser in the state.
All of Hawai‘i’s nonprofit charities are eligible to benefit from the walk, and walkers are treated to food and drink and have access to first aid at checkpoints along the walk route.
Hawai‘i hotels and allied organizations operate and supply the checkpoints.
“It may seem like it’s just one day, but the Charity Walk is actually a whole-year project,” Kato-Klutke said. “Planning for the 2013 walk is already under way and things will start happening. If you raise more money, we’ll have more to give away.”
Visit the website www.charitywalkhawaii.org for more information.
