Kaua'i United Way launches 2024 campaign

PO'IPU – Matson Navigation, through its Nawiliwili Port Manager, Ula Nakamura, presented a $7,500 grant to the Kaua'i United Way to support the launch of the 2024 campaign Thursday at the kickoff dinner at the Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort and Spa.

Tiffani Hull, the chair of the 2024 campaign, took the time to take a selfie with the audience in the background during her appearance on the podium because her family couldn't believe she was the chair of the campaign. She announced the goal for the 2024 campaign as $600,000.

“Thank you, Matson,” said Lori Almarza, executive director of the Kaua'i United Way (KUW). “But we still have a long way to go.”

Almarza said during her time at KUW, she learned from her mentors that the Kaua'i United Way is like a good insurance policy – ​​you may not need it today, but when you do need it, it's good to know it's available.

Celebrating its 80th anniversary, Kaua'i United Way is an umbrella organization with partner agencies that provide a range of services, including disease prevention and health programs, disaster relief and emergency services, rehabilitation services, and youth and family services.

Luncheon moderator Ron Wiley, who served as campaign chairman last year, said the campaign raises money for partner agencies so they can focus on providing needed services.

The highlight of the services were the speakers at the luncheon, including the Salvation Army who gave the blessing. Other speakers represented Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mental Health Kokua and Catholic Charities.

To contribute to the campaign, all you have to do is visit the Kaua'i United Way website, where you will find information about the various services offered by its network of partner agencies, and then click on the “Donate” button.

Another easy way to donate is through payroll deduction, which can be arranged with the help of Lynette Medrano-Stine, KUW's Campaign Development Manager and Community Liaison.

In addition to Matson, major corporate donors include Costco Wholesale, Enterprise Holdings Foundation, known as Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Kaua'i Island Utility Cooperative, Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc., Capt. Andy's, First Hawaiian Bank and the Atherton Family Foundation.

Kaua'i United Way, an independent, IRS-certified nonprofit organization, is dedicated to providing community services islandwide. Money raised on Kaua'i stays on Kaua'i.

For more information, visit www.kauaiunitedway.org.