$300K Raised by Hawaiʻi Residents to Support Local Charities

The 39th Annual Visitor Charity Walk for Hawaiʻi Island took place on Saturday, May 13, at the Waikoloa Resort’s Queen Marketplace.

Nearly $300,000 was raised from thousands of walkers and runners who gathered to raise funds to benefit dozens of the island’s non-profit organizations. Photo Courtesy

Nearly $300,000 was raised from thousands of walkers and runners who gathered to raise funds to benefit dozens of the island’s non-profit organizations.

“We are so grateful to all the HLTA member hotels and businesses and the many sponsors and volunteers who stepped forward to make this event so successful,” shared event co-chair Steve Yannarell who is also general manager at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort.

Saturday’s Charity Walk event included entertainment by Positive Motion and was emceed by Tony Silva of Da Bruddahs and Billy V from Hawaiʻi News Now Sunrise program.

There were also multiple food booths, games and prizes throughout the morning.

The prize for the best food booth in the hotel division, utilizing Big Island tomatoes highlighting the theme of “It’s all about the food,” was Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows. Romano’s Macaroni Grille won the individual restaurant division prize.