Roughly 1,200 eligible individuals have
received funds from the organization since August 2023 as fundraising efforts for
Maui fire victims come to a close
at the end of April
HONOLULU, April 16,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hawai'i Ag &
Culinary Alliance (HACA) is honored to share the Kokua
Restaurant & Hospitality Fund has raised over $1,220,000 for restaurant, bar and hospitality
workers impacted by the devastating Maui wildfires that occurred last August.
Originally established as an emergency relief fund during the
pandemic, the Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund has been a
beacon of hope for Maui's culinary
and visitor industry, which comprises 80% of Maui's economy.
From the beginning, HACA has been unwavering in its commitment
to ensure that every dollar of the donations received are directly
channeled to those affected by the fires—no administrative fees are
incurred. To date, the fund has provided support to roughly 1,200
eligible restaurant, bar and hospitality workers who experienced a
loss of employment or reduction in income due to the fires. The
one-time $1,000 disbursement to each
individual offers tangible assistance in their journey to rebuild
during a time of uncertainty and hardship.
"The impact of the Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund would
not have been possible without the incredible outpouring of support
from the global community—our Hawai'i Food & Wine Festival
chefs, partners and hospitality industry at large," shared Hawai'i
Ag & Culinary Alliance CEO, Denise
Yamaguchi. "This widespread solidarity underscores the
strength and unity that defines our culinary family," said
Yamaguchi, with contributions from more than 950 donors spanning
nearly all 50 states and eight countries worldwide.
In addition to the numerous bars, restaurants, and wineries that
organized fundraisers to support the cause, the generosity of
hospitality leaders, such as the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and
Private Label Collection's Jonathan
McManus, have played a significant role in the success of
the initiative. A recent fundraiser held at Hotel Wailea, Relais
& Châteaux, in collaboration with renowned
three-Michelin-starred chef Thomas
Keller of The French Laundry, propelled the Kokua Restaurant
and Hospitality Fund's total to just over $1,220,000, bolstering the number of individuals
supported through the fund.
"The Hotel Wailea culinary team was thrilled to host a
collaboration series with iconic three Michelin star The French
Laundry restaurant from Napa for the very first time to benefit our
Maui 'ohana," said Jonathan McManus, Founder of Hotel
Wailea and Private Label Collection. "We are honored, along with
Chef Thomas Keller, to play a part
in helping the Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund meet its
fundraising goals to assist West
Maui."
As the Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund's Maui relief efforts come to a close next
month, donations will continue to be accepted until April 30. Hawai'i Ag & Culinary Alliance
remains committed to expeditiously disbursing the remaining funds
to eligible waitlisted individuals that applied last year. Moving
forward, while the fund for Maui
wildfire victims will conclude, the Kokua Restaurant &
Hospitality Fund will remain an integral part of HACA's programs,
ready to be activated to provide support for restaurant, bar and
hospitality workers if unforeseen hardships impact the
industry.
For more information on the Kokua Restaurant &
Hospitality Fund for Maui, or
to donate, visit www.HFWF.me/kokua. Hawai'i Ag and
Culinary Alliance dba Hawai'i Food & Wine Festival is a
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 46-0618609). Contributions
are fully tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. Individuals
are instructed to consult their tax advisor to determine the tax
benefits for their donation.
ABOUT HAWAI'I AG & CULINARY
ALLIANCE®
The Hawai'i Ag & Culinary Alliance
(HACA) is the parent organization of the Hawai'i Food & Wine
Festival (HFWF)—the premier epicurean destination event of the
Pacific, and Hashi Media—the digital platform for curated culinary
stories featuring the global network of HFWF ambassadors and
talent. Founded in 2011 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, HACA's
mission is to attract national and international attention for
Hawai'i's extraordinary culinary talent and diverse, high-quality
locally grown products—ensuring the islands maintain their
competitive edge as a world-class destination. Since it's inaugural
year, HACA has donated over $3.5
million to local community and 'āina-based organizations
that support food sustainability, culinary education and
agriculture. For more information, visit www.HFWF.me, follow HFWF
on Instagram @HIFoodWineFest and Facebook at
@HawaiiFoodandWineFestival.
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SOURCE Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance