Hawai‘i Island United Way to host first-ever Givers Gala

Hawaiʻi Island United Way will host its first-ever Givers Gala where they will honor several individuals for their nonprofit work in the community.

Those recognized will be awarded the Ripple Effect Awards, which recognize nonprofit professionals, teams, and organizations whose work has created lasting waves of positive change across Hawaiʻi Island. These honorees exemplify generosity, vision, and courage in service to our community.

The gala will take place on Oct. 24 at Arc of Hilo, located at 1099 Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo. Click here for more details on the gala. Tickets are available now. Cost to attend the gala is $60. Ticket costs for sponsors range from $10,000 to $25,000 per ticket. Click here to buy a ticket or become a sponsor.

“Many nonprofit workers and organizations go unrecognized in the nonprofit sector despite the good work being done. Most of us aren’t good at tooting our own horn,” said Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian, Board Chair of Hawaiʻi Island United Way. “Bringing our nonprofit community together at a time when so many feel under attack is both an act of resilience and a celebration of the compassion, courage, and unity that keep Hawaiʻi Island thriving.”

See below for the list of the 2025 Ripple Effect awardees.

To Infinity and Beyond Go-Getter Award: Nicole Chase, Executive Assistant at Friends of the Children’s Justice Center

North Star Visionary Award: Ian Kow, Direct Service Provider at Full Life

Human Spark Plug Energizer Award: Charis Higginson, Founder and Executive Director at Humanity Hale

Loud and Proud Advocacy Award: Zahava “Zee” Zaidoff, Continuing Care Coordinator at Bridghouse

Good Trouble Social Justice Award: Pua Case, Program Director at Mauna Kea Education and Awareness

Glue Stick – Anchor Award: Daylynn Kyles, President and Founder at Aloha ‘Ilio Rescue

Bold Moves Game-Changer Award: Breeani Koybayashi-Kūaliʻi, Ashley Kierkiewicz, Misty Pacheco, Raynn Dangaran, and Janice Ikeda of KōCreate, a Vibrant Hawaiʻi Initiative

Mission Mastery: Eric Paul, Executive Director, and Team at West Hawaiʻi Mediation

Dream Team We Rock Award: Peanut Butter Ministry a program of Hilo United Methodist Church.