We did it! Fundraising Target Achieved!
We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our fundraising target! More importantly, 475 walkers and volunteers came together on Saturday, September 14 to Remember, Inspire, and Commit.
A heartfelt Mahalo to our lead sponsors: First Hawaiian Bank, Par Hawaii/Hele, Hawaii Pacific Health, First Insurance Company of Hawaii, and Servco Inc., along with 14 additional sponsors whose generous contributions helped kick off our fundraising efforts
Kathy with a K from 105.9 The Wave kept the energy high as our emcee. Along with energy the event was filled with abundant refreshments, thanks to Waiakea Water, Armstrong Produce, Starbucks Coffee, Cookie Corner, and CVS/Longs. Our lively entertainment included the Kukui Alumni Pep Band, the Celtic Kula Bagpiper Band of Hawaii, and enthusiastic youth from Kapolei High School, the HPD Police Explorers, and Roosevelt ROTC.
2024 Walk Like MADD Hawaii Co-Chairs – Brittany Cass & Lori Harrison.
Over 50 dedicated volunteers helped with setup, welcoming walkers, serving refreshments, distributing prizes, running programs, and packing up afterward. We could not have done it without the help of the Manoa Lions Club and the State of Hawaii Sheriff’s Department’s current Recruitment Class. A special thank you to Rose de Vera-Javier for leading the Zumba warm-up!
We also appreciate the generosity of over 50 companies that donated services, food, beverages, and travel-related prizes for our award winners. A special Mahalo to Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Highgate, and Outrigger Hotels for providing the grand prize vacations.
Together, more than 500 individuals united with a common purpose: to help end the senseless and preventable tragedies that affect too many families in Hawaii. The presence of nearly a dozen victim families at the event highlighted the collective support and commitment of all attendees. Nicole Hutchinson, a MADD National Board member, and Chanda Park shared stories of their loved ones killed by an impaired driver. The Remember Me lawn signs and Tribute Memorial Flags swaying in the ocean breeze near the MADD Memorial served as poignant reminders of why we walk.
1. Azalia Park – Safe Ride Hawaii
2. Bette Chun
3. Brian Paulette – Team Brian Paulette
4. Brittany Cass – Bold Like Britt
5. Darcie Hutchinson – Sisters Are Forever
6. Jo-Lyn – Team Jolyn
7. Kaulana Werner – Team Kaulana
8. TJ Nilsen – Team TJ
9. Travis Lau – Bill, Esther, and Melissa Lau
10. Waika Carvalho – Team Waika
Nicole Hutchinson and Chanda Park remember Nicole’s sister Darcie, and Chanda’s daughter Azalia.
Founder Carol McNamee started MADD Hawaii 40 years ago!
Funds raised through Walk Like MADD are crucial in advancing MADD Hawaii’s lifesaving mission and the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. This campaign advocates for high-visibility law enforcement, ignition interlocks (or “in-car breathalyzers”) for all convicted drunk drivers, and support for advanced technology development, along with, public backing for these initiatives. As of September 29th, we have raised just over $126,091! We are immensely grateful for everyone’s support. Donations can be made at walklikemadd.org/hawaii until October 14, 2024. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
Photo Credits: Kathy with a K and MADD Hawaii volunteers
