Angel Tree Program Benefits from BK Fundraising

Burger King Hawai’i, in partnership with Aloha United Way, exceeded its campaign goal of $10,000 to benefit The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program.

In total, Burger King locations across the state raised $10,600 this holiday season. With every donation was the promise that every dollar raised would go directly to buy gifts for children locally on the island the donation was made.

“We are grateful to have not only met, but actually exceed our $10,000 fundraising goal,” said Denise Yamauchi, BKHI Managing Director. “Thanks to giving customers and caring staff in our 24 BKHI restaurants statewide, and to the efforts of Aloha United Way and The Salvation Army, we did almost 20 percent better than last year.”

“Aloha United Way would like to extend a heartfelt ‘mahalo’ to the many BKHI customer and staff who generously expressed the spirit of giving for this campaign,” said Cindy Adams, Aloha United Way President and CEO. “The statewide support will truly help to make the holiday season merry and bright for hundreds of keiki in our local community.”

The donations collected on the Big Island were used for The Salvation Army’s gift request for recipients on the Big Island. “It’s our commitment that everyone who requests a gift through The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program receives their gift,” said Major John Chamness, Divisional Leader for The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division. “This year, TSA is distributing more than 60,000 gifts statewide, and Burger King’s collection of cash donations filled a great need.”

Donations were accepted at Burger King locations from Nov. 10 through Dec. 15. Customers were invited to add a cash contribution of any amount, as well as to sign an “Angel Tree” tag to be posted in the store.

“All the store windows and walls filled up with tags, a clear demonstration of collective giving,” Yamauchi said.

The Burger King Prince Kuhio location was the store that collected the most money in the state. For their efforts, the staff won a platter of cookies home-baked by the four-woman BKHI holiday baking squad.