AUW’s Legacy Is Helping Island Families Thrive
By Kim Gennaula, Aloha United Way CEO
More than 800,000 people served … that’s how many local residents are helped each year thanks to your donations to Aloha United Way (AUW). This year marks the 95th anniversary of Aloha United Way on Oahu and its mission of fundraising for the greatest needs of our community.
Each year, more than 1,300 companies and organizations partner with AUW to hold workplace giving campaigns and raise more than $9 million to support nonprofit agencies and their causes. AUW also raises funds through grants, legacy gifts, income from its building and leadership gifts to put a total of more than $10.7 million back into our nonprofit community last year.
All of us at AUW are proud to help raise these vital dollars for our community and recently made a big change to get even more money into the hands of our agencies. AUW no longer takes fees from a donation designated to one of our nearly 300 partner agencies. One hundred percent of your donation is now passed on to that charity.
AUW began serving Hawaii’s people in 1919 when Frank C. Atherton established the United Welfare Fund to raise money to support Hawaii’s 15 charitable institutions. In 1974, AUW became a member of United Way of America. AUW has continued to evolve along with the community and now enlists the help of hundreds of volunteers each year to assess our community and get the most dollars to the greatest needs.
AUW also offers donors the option of directing donations to any of its three Impact Areas – education, poverty prevention or safety net services. AUW also operates and provides a free and confidential 2-1-1 telephone referral service. When you dial 2-1-1, you will reach an operator who can help connect you to one of thousands of nonprofit programs in our database.
There are many ways you can contribute to AUW. To learn how, or for more information on any of our programs, partner agencies or services, visit AUW.org. Or call us directly at 536-1951.
It’s hard to imagine what our community would be like without Aloha United Way, and we couldn’t help others without your help. Mahalo to all of our supporters!
Hawaii charitable organizations may send requests for space in either Proof Positive or the free advertisement below to dchapman@midweek.com.
