Nonprofits receive checks from Visitor Industry Charity Walk

Checks were presented Friday to nonprofit organizations for their participation in the 2023 Visitor Industry Charity Walk held in May.

Representatives of the different groups gathered at the Fours Seasons Resort Hualalai to receive their share of money raised from the 44th annual event.

Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Charlie Parker is currently serving as the Hawaii Island Charity Walk chair and hosted the morning’s distribution of funds.

He said over the years, over $6 million has been raised on the Big Island and over $43 million across the state.

“This is the culmination of months of fundraising. To all the resorts and hotels that participated, a big mahalo,” he said. This is an event that brings community together. That’s why we fundraise and walk.”

He said the all volunteer event and nonprofits are the life blood of a vibrant community.

“Charity Walk is not just one day,” he continued. “We will start planning again for the 2024 walk any day. It’s a cycle.”

Parker said $350,000 was raised by the 46 participating charities which was matched by the resorts and hotels for a total of $700,000 going to the nonprofits. All of the money stayed on island.

The hotels and resort employees do their own fundraising including bake sales, car washes and other events.

“It’s employees from the community raising money for the community,” said Parker. “It supports gaps in our society. The nonprofits are such an important part of the fabric of our community.”

Parker said the 2024 Charity Walk will again be held in May, with an exact date to be announced after the first of the year.