Professionals R.E.A.C.H. Out To Help Students
By Ross Shinyama, president, Honolulu Professionals Foundation
We all know that giving is far more rewarding than receiving … But did you know it can also be FUN? Founded in 2008, the Honolulu Professionals Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a growing group of professionals dedicated to building a lasting positive legacy in our community through strategic partnerships and giving.
With nearly 5,000 nonprofit organizations in Hawaii, it’s easy to see that many of these groups face the challenge of insufficient funding. This is where the founding members of HPF recognized how they could make an impact on the community. By utilizing their unique collection of members and resourceful networks, they would select a charitable cause dear to their heart and organize an annual fundraiser that was both profitable and entertaining. Previous events have raised more than $52,000 and benefited local organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, Aloha Medical Mission, HHSAA’s Save our Sports Fund and KUPU.
This year, HPF has partnered with Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui to benefit his R.E.A.C.H. (Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture and Health) initiative to help intermediate after-school programs. R.E.A.C.H.’s mission is to keep middle-school students on the right path to graduation by engaging them in a broad base of programs and activities outside of regular instructional hours. Our organization believes in the mission of R.E.A.C.H. and its intent to engage students in activities that will keep them on track to a successful future. We wanted to support an initiative that is aimed at shaping the lives of Hawaii’s children in a positive environment.
The R.E.A.C.H. Out event will be held Sunday, June 30, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at Pagoda Restaurant. Tickets cost $75. It is expected to draw more than 2,000 attendees and will feature an amazing entertainment lineup that includes Anuhea, Ho’aikane, Justin Young, Micah G, Weldon Kekauoha and more. There also will be a silent auction and food from restaurants including Hukilau, Murphy’s Bar and Grill, JJ Dolans, Pint & Jigger, Hanapa’a Sushi and more.
To learn more about HPF or the upcoming R.E.A.C.H. Out event, please visit honoluluprofessionals.org, reachouthawaii.org, or email info@hawaiiprofessionalsfoundation.org.
