Submitted by Hawaiian Electric:
A year-long campaign in 2016 led by Hawaiian Electric employees with support from retirees raised $518,000 for Aloha United Way(AUW), the nonprofit agency addressing our community’s biggest challenges such as poverty prevention and homelessness. The amount represents a 15 percent increase from the year prior employee fundraising effort, and the highest campaign total to date by Hawaiian Electric.
“Every year, our employees find creative ways to raise funds for Aloha United Way and give back to the community,” said Shelee Kimura, senior vice president – business development and strategic planning. “They certainly raise the bar when it comes to volunteerism because many of these fundraisers are held after hours, on weekends, and even holidays. I couldn’t be prouder of our employees and retirees who gave of their time, talent, and treasure to support our community.”
For its efforts, Hawaiian Electric along with parent company Hawaiian Electric Industries and subsidiary American Savings Bank, were honored on May 4 at Sheraton Waikiki with the AUW Spirit of Community Hoʻokela Award for Large Business. This category is given in recognition of the company’s overall achievement in striving for excellence through increased employee participation and increased dollars raised.
“We are truly humbled by the continuous support and efforts on behalf of Hawaiian Electric and its employees along with its parent company Hawaiian Electric Industries and subsidiary American Savings Bank,” said Cindy Adams, AUW president and CEO. “Their employee generosity and commitment year after year allows Aloha United Way to invest much needed resources into our community to help those in need.”
In addition to e-pledge donations, Hawaiian Electric employees and retirees raised monies through cookie and hot dog sales, custom logo t-shirt and polo shirt sales, movie screenings, an online silent auction, a golf tournament, and a fundraiser cookbook.
Hawaiian Electric is a leading Hawaiʻi employer with more than 2,600 employees across its service territories.
Hawaiian Electric employees raised a record $518,000 for Aloha United Way during a year-long campaign in 2016. Standing left to right: Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president – business development and strategic planning; Alan Oshima, Hawaiian Electric president & CEO; Cindy Adams, AUW president & CEO; Scott Seu, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president – public affairs; Robert Young, Hawaiian Electric manager – operations compliance; and Darren Ishimura – Hawaiian Electric manager – grid technologies. Photo credit: Travis Nishida