YWCA ‘Remarkable People’ Luncheon Raises Record $25,635

The YWCA of Hawai‘i Island recently honored two Big Island people as its “Remarkable People” for 2022 and raised a record of more than $25,000 in the process.

The YWCA honored restaurateur Debra Ching Maiava and the late Dave De Luz Sr. last month during its 11th annual Remarkable People Luncheon. The event returned this summer after a hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic and sold out early. The event also netted a record $25,635.

“We were thrilled to celebrate Debbie and the legacy of Dave De Luz Sr. for their monumental contributions to the local workplace and our community,” Kathleen McGilvray, CEO of the YWCA of Hawai‘i Island, said in a press release. “As many of us came together in person for the first time in years, the energy and goodwill in the room was palpable.”

Ching Maiava is owner of two restaurants in Hilo, Ken’s House of Pancakes and Pond’s. De Luz, who died in 2018 at the age of 86, was owner of Big Island Toyota, De Luz Chevrolet, Kūka‘iau Ranch and Hawai‘i Beef Producers and founder of Big Island Motors.

All of the funds raised from the event stay on the Big Island to ensure YWCA services are available to those who need them. These services are provided through three signature programs: sexual assault support services, including the only 24-hour sexual assault hotline on the island at 1-808-935-0677; the Healthy Families program that empowers families to raise healthy, well-adjusted children; and YWCA Preschool, one of the only nationally accredited, developmental preschools in East Hawai’i.

YWCA of Hawai‘i Island is headquartered at 145 Ululani St. in Hilo. For more information, call 808-935-7141 or click here.