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As part of the Aloha for Philippines effort, all 11 member banks of the Hawaii Bankers Association are now accepting donations for Typhoon Haiyan victims at 300 branch locations statewide.
Participating banks include American Savings Bank, Bank of Hawaii, Bank of the Orient, Central Pacific Bank, Finance Factors, First Hawaiian Bank, Hawaii National Bank, HomeStreet Bank, Ohana Pacific Bank, Pacific Rim Bank and Territorial Savings Bank.
The fundraising effort, announced by the association Monday, echoes the Aloha for Japan campaign, which raised more than $3 million in 2011 for Japanese tsunami victims. "We’d like to do that again," said Edward Pei, executive director of the Hawaii Bankers Association.
Donors may elect to give money to the American Red Cross or the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu, which has partnered with the Consuelo Foundation to send aid to the crippled country. Jon Matsuoka, president and chief executive officer of the Consuelo Foundation, said the organization plans to match up to $2 million in donations.
"We’re very much interested in restoring appropriate housing, restoring livelihoods," Matsuoka said. "And our mission at the foundation is really to promote the well-being of children and families, so the core of our money will be used for those purposes."
A representative from the American Red Cross said it will be sending its funds to the Philippine Red Cross for humanitarian packages, mosquito nets, shelter repair work and, later in the recovery process, cash grants.
Pei said the banks will accept Aloha for Philippines donations through the end of the year.
The Hawaii Bankers Association represents all FDIC-insured depository institutions that operate in the state. Check donations can be deposited at any member bank and should be made payable to "American Red Cross — Aloha for Philippines" or "Filipino Community Center — Aloha for Philippines."
A spokeswoman for First Hawaiian Bank said the company has contributed $100,000 to the effort and will be waiving wire transfer fees for customers sending funds directly to the Philippines.
OTHER FUNDRAISING EFFORTS:
» Aloha for Philippines shirts and hats are available for purchase at Butigroove/ HiLife, at 500 Piikoi St. and online at www.AlohaPlate. com or www.AlohaForPhilippines.com. Proceeds will go to the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu to help with relief efforts in the Philippines.
» A group of local chefs, entertainers and others will stage "Chefs for Hope," a culinary-focused fundraiser for survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, Monday at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
Confirmed participants include 12th Ave Grill, Alan Wong’s, the Beachhouse at the Moana, Cafe Laufer, Centerplate, d.k Steak House, HASR Bistro, Hawaiian Spring Water, Hiroshi, Hy’s Steak House, Hoku’s, Japengo, JJ Bistro & French Pastry, Kakaako Kitchen, La Tour Cafe, Mariposa, Michel’s at the Colony Surf, Morimoto, Nico’s, Nori’s, Ola at the Turtle Bay Resort, Paradise Beverages, Poke Stop, Rakuen Sushi Bar/Mercury Pub, Roy’s, SALT, Sansei Sushi Bar & Restaurant, Side Street Inn, Southern Wine & Spirits, Tango Contemporary Cafe, The Pacific Club and World Sake Imports Beverages.
The entertainment lineup includes the Brothers Cazimero, Hapa, Raiatea Helm, Jordan Segundo and more.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for VIP and reserved seating and 6:30 for general admission. VIP tables of 10 cost $5,000; reserved seating for 10 is priced at $1,500; and $100 for individual grazing tickets. One hundred percent of ticket sales will be donated to the Salvation Army. Tickets are available at the Neal Blaisdell box office. For more information, call 585-0011.
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AP