Kauai
POIPU, Kauai >> The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa donated more than $16,000 Thursday to the Kauai United Way. The presentation capped the “Holiday Giving” drive for the island’s largest private employer.
The Kauai United Way contribution is a combination of fundraising and payroll deductions totaling $16,459.23.
“Fundraising for Kauai United Way covered a variety of activities,” said Katy Britzmann, Grand Hyatt’s sales director. “We had a weight loss challenge where associates formed different teams with the goal of losing the great amount of weight, lettuce sales from our hydroponic gardens, a white elephant sale, a Movie Night where associates could bring their families to the resort, and a Jeans Day where associates would pay $5 for the privilege of wearing jeans to work. That was really popular.”
The remainder of the KUW contribution came from payroll deductions.
“It is great to be able to give back to the community in so many different and meaningful ways,” said Keith Butz, general manager. “Our staff appreciates that organizations like the Kauai United Way, Kauai Independent Food Bank and the Kauai Humane Society are able to help friends and neighbors as well as some of the associates, directly.”
In December, the Grand Hyatt Kauai hosted a food drive for the Kauai Independent Food Bank and delivered 3,348 pounds of food to feed Kauai’s residents.
“The people food drive was followed by one for the Kauai Humane Society’s pet food bank, Gomez’s Galley, where the resort delivered 193 pounds of food to help island pets and their owners make ends meet,” said Diann Hartman, Hyatt public relations director. “Additionally, the sales and marketing team made more than 300 dog treats and 50 cat toys so the animals at the shelter would have treats this holiday season.”
December giving continued when the resort collected more than 200 gifts for the elder care homes with the collection being delivered by 16 Christmas-caroling associates to more than 100 residents at Hale Kupuna, the Garden Isle Health Care, the Kauai Care Center, and the Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital.
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Associated Press
