Living United With Aloha

By
Wednesday - September 07, 2011 Share

By Kim Gennaula, President,
Aloha United Way

On any given night on Oahu, 4,200 people are homeless. More significantly, of those 4,200, more than half are families with children.

At this moment, 27 percent of Hawaii’s working families require some sort of subsidy just to survive some are working multiple jobs but are still not earning enough to make ends meet. One in four Hawaii families are three paychecks away from financial crisis. And 15 percent of Hawaii residents 18 years and older do not have a high school diploma.


There is so much need all around us and yet, thankfully, there also are many nonprofits working hard to give hope to people who would have nowhere else to turn.

That is why Aloha United Way exists. For more than 90 years, Aloha United Way has served as a fundraiser for local nonprofits. We mobilize the caring power of our community to make a difference in people’s lives.

Jody Kamisato and TJ Mayeshiro entertain the Nippon Club volunteers before their ‘Mahalo from Japan Beach Cleanup Fundraising Event,’ which raised $1,720 for Aloha United Way. Photo courtesy Jody Kamisato

Aloha United Way is the only agency doing grassroots fundraising for our greatest needs. And your donations are making a difference. Last year, you helped us touch more than 800,000 lives and support more than 300 local nonprofits, many of which would not be here without your contributions to Aloha United Way.

Right now, you can make a big difference. This month, about 1,200 Oahu companies kicked off Aloha United Way fundraising campaigns at their workplace. You can give easily through payroll deduction at work or by visiting auw.org.

If you are a loyal donor to Aloha United Way, thank you. We are truly grateful for your support. If you have not given in the past, could we encourage you to consider a gift this year of at least $10 a paycheck? It is a simple, painless way to truly make a big difference our community. Our promise to you is that we will work carefully with the nonprofits to be sure your hard-earned dollar is well invested to have the greatest impact. And you will have the satisfaction of knowing you helped provide food, shelter, education, counseling, elderly care and so much more to your friends and neighbors.


Aloha United Way has been serving Hawaii’s people since 1919. As we near 100 years of continuing that mission, please join us in living united with aloha by making a donation. For more information, go to auw.org.


Hawaii charitable organizations may send requests for space in either Proof Positive or the free advertisement below to dchapman@midweek.com.

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