Tournament officials from the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai today presented a charitable donation in the amount of $62,500 to the Rotary Club of Kona.
The donation was made at the annual Rotary Club of Kona Luncheon on Thursday by Tournament Manager, Kelly Fliear and Mitsubishi Electric Operations Manager, Chris Webster of the Mitsubishi Electric Elevator and Escalator U.S.. The donation was the third of three contributions made in recent months following contributions to the Big Island Junior Golf Association and the Daniel R. Sayre Foundation earlier this year, totaling $72,500.
“It is an honor to be working hand in hand with organizations like these after 23 years of hosting professional golf on the Big Island,” Fliear said. “These deserving non-profit organizations make such significant and positive strides in the community and we are proud to help them continue their outstanding work. Since PGA TOUR Champions arrived on Hawaii in 1997, the tournament has raised nearly $1.5 million for local charities and we know none of that would be possible without partners like Mitsubishi Electric, the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort and the Hawaii Tourism Authority.”
These contributions made annually from the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai support essential equipment training to the Hawaii Islands Fire Department and assist the growth, development of junior golf and the Rotary Club of Kona. Since the tournament began in 1997, the Rotary Club of Kona has played an integral role in organizing the hundreds of tournament volunteers. Each year, more than four hundred volunteers contribute their time, talents and Aloha spirit in servicing the sponsors, spectators and players at the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort to ensure a successful event.
“The recipients of the charitable contributions generated by the Mitsubishi Electric Championship are doing exceptional things in the community, such as supporting the Hawaii Islands Fire Department and assisting in the development of youth programs and much more,” said Kent Hora, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. “To be able to give back sustains our mission and makes all the difference. This is all made possible by the volunteers and the community.”
The 2019 event was won by Tom Lehman, who went on to finish the season ranked No. 17 in the Charles Schwab Cup standings. The 2020 Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai will be held January 16-18. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit pgatour.com/mec.