Employees raise more than $22K for typhoon relief effort

[Nabulod laeng ti ladawan a naaramat]

Employees raise more than $22K for typhoon relief effort



MAUI, Hawaii- The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui recently presented a check to the American Red Cross for $22, 178. 93 in support of Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts in the Philippines.


The 650-plus employees of the Wailea resort set a goal on Nov. 1 to raise $10,000 by Thanksgiving Day. Fundraising efforts included selling waffle dogs, pizza, baked goods, plate lunches and babinka, as well as car washes and giant garage sale.


"I am incredibly proud of our motivated and generous employees," said Charles Head, general manager of The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui. "It goes to show what difference we can make when we all pull together for a common goal."


Following the check presentation, Michele Liberty, Maui County director for the American Red Cross, said: "Our hearts go out to the people of the Philippines at this time of great tragedy. We are incredibly grateful to the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui for giving strength to our humanitarian efforts. We want to thank everyone involved."


This fundraising effort follow a successful year of charitable giving at The Fairmont Kea Lani. The hotel hosted annual fundraising events for teh American Heart Association and the Maui Culinary Academy. Hotel employees also participated in community events including the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association Charity Walk and the "Life is Sweet" dessert competition which benefited Best Buddies of Hawaii, creating oppurtunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The resort also provided donations to the Maui County Agriculture Council and the Coral Reef Alliance.