Maui United Way

Last week, I returned to Maui to learn about the progress of the recovery efforts since wildfires devastated the island 6 months ago. Shortly after the fires, the United Way Network rallied around Maui United Way to provide financial and technical support to strengthen their ability to quickly and effectively respond to the needs of the community. Through their efforts, Maui United Way was able to distribute more than $7.8 million in Emergency Financial Assistance, providing $1,000 in direct relief to nearly 8,000 fire-impacted individuals and over $500,000 in grants to 44 local grassroots organizations offering direct relief to families. Most recently, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and donations from the Berliner Play Equipment Corporation, Maui United Way will be bringing to life a state-of-the-art playground for a temporary school for the King Kamehameha III Elementary School, which was destroyed in the fires. Alongside U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, I also had the opportunity to meet with leaders of local non-profit organizations. The stories they shared reinforced the important role that United Ways across the Network serve in their communities: by working as a convener of government, private sector, non-profit, and community members to help identify and address unmet needs. As I reflect on the people I met and the stories they shared, I am proud of the work Maui United Way continues to facilitate, and I pray that the Maui community continues to heal as the recovery and rebuilding process moves forward.

TEMPORARY LAHAINA SCHOOL TO RECEIVE WORLD-CLASS PLAYGROUND Hawaii 3R's is pleased to announce it is accepting playground equipment from the Berliner Play Equipment Corporation to be installed at the temporary Lahaina school campus. The Germany-based company is donating the equipment to support students as they make a new start at the temporary site in upcoming weeks. “We hope that the new playground, with its many play functions, will bring joy and laughter to the students and help them continue to grow Maui Strong,“ said David Koehler, Managing Owner, Berliner Play Equipment Corporation. The playground is Berliner’s latest design in its WaggaWagga series, which is valued at over $200,000 - not including the shipping costs. The Lahaina temporary school will be the first school in the world to receive this playground design structure on its campus. Other donors, including Maui United Way, are coming forward to ensure the playground is professionally installed. The Maui United Way committed $250,000 for the playground’s construction. Maui United Way President Nicholas Winfrey said, “We know that normalcy is what our keiki need right now which is why we felt it was so important to provide a safe place to play and just be kids.” “We are so grateful to Berliner, Maui United Way and other contributors who are helping to ensure that our public school students in Lahaina will have a world-class playground to enjoy,” said Hawaii 3R's Executive Director Kalowena Komeiji.

Please spread the word about this Saturday’s event in Lāhainā featuring key agencies for those affected by the August 8th fires. 🌱💜🌱 #communityiseverything #livealoha #liveunited

This was just a portion of our United Way campaign that was completed last year. Overall, employees contributed over $139,000 to the campaign and Hawaiian Telcom matched up to $70,000, with a record-breaking $209,000 raised at the end of 2023. I am so proud of our employees that stepped up to the call to support our non-profit organizations island-wide, and many thanks to all of our United Way partnerships for everything you to do support our communities in need. Aloha United Way  Kauai United Way  Maui United Way  Hawaii Island United Way

Our answer is simple: To always #LiveUnited, #LiveAloha MauiUnitedWay.org

The PGA Tour’s The Sentry golf tournament is here! While the pros vie for victory, let's champion a cause close to our hearts. @MauiUnitedWay's text-to-give campaign is live! Text "MAUI” ($10 donation), “MAUI25” ($25 donation), or “MAUI50” ($50 donation) to 20222 to support Maui County during this incredible event. Every donation counts! Let's make a difference together. #TheSentry #MauiUniedWay #LiveUnited

⛳ Join us in making a difference for the Maui community! We're proud to partner with the PGA Tour to support Maui County residents in need. From January 4-7, you can contribute to our text-to-give campaign by texting "MAUI” ($10 donation), “MAUI25” ($25 donation), or “MAUI50” ($50 donation) to 20222. Every donation helps create a brighter future for our community! #TheSentry #MauiUniedWay #LiveUnited

🏌️ Join us as we swing into action for a great cause during the PGA Tour’s The Sentry golf tournament. Support Maui County with @MauiUnitedWay's text-to-give campaign. Simply text "MAUI” ($10 donation), “MAUI25” ($25 donation), or “MAUI50” ($50 donation) to 20222 to make a difference today! Let's tee up for a brighter future! #TheSentry #MauiUniedWay #LiveUnited

Excited for PGA/The Sentry golf tournament? Get ready to make an impact off the greens! Maui United Way is teaming up with the tournament to launch a text-to-give campaign supporting Maui County residents in need. Text "MAUI” ($10 donation), “MAUI25” ($25 donation), or “MAUI50” ($50 donation) to 20222 to support Maui County during this incredible event! Mahalo! Find out more at https://lnkd.in/gatUNK78 #TheSentry #MauiUniedWay #LiveUnited