DACH launches campaign with $325,000 in monetary donations and numerous other in-kind donations
HONOLULU, HI (Sept. 6, 2023) – In response to a request from the Lahainaluna High School athletics program, the Downtown Athletic Club of Hawaii (DACH) is proud to announce the commencement of the “Luna Strong” fundraising campaign. This initiative aims to provide crucial assistance to the student-athletes and coaches displaced by last month’s devastating fire.
The campaign’s primary objectives include:
- Replacing sports equipment and supplies lost by the 450 affected student-athletes. Items include football cleats, basketball shoes, tennis racquets, and baseball/softball bats. (Note: Lahainaluna High School, established in 1831, has a total enrollment of 1,000 students.)
- Supporting the 40 coaches who lost their homes in the fires, especially those with over 25 years of dedicated service to Lahainaluna.
- Covering the entire cost of state tournament travel for all Lahainaluna teams qualifying this school year.
Additionally, “Luna Strong” t-shirts, expertly designed by Saedene Ota of Wailuku’s Sae Designs, will be available for purchase, with all proceeds contributing to the campaign.
All funds collected by DACH will be disbursed in consultation with the Lahainaluna Athletics Department and school administration.
The campaign has received generous initial support, including:
- Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund: $100,000
- Oahu Interscholastic Association: $75,000
- Central Pacific Bank Foundation: $50,000
- Bank of Hawaii: $35,000
- American Savings Bank: $25,000
- First Hawaiian Bank: $25,000
- Hawaii Pacific Health: $5,000
Notable contributions also include:
- Marcus Mariota: $10,000 for Luna football program, providing cleats for all varsity and junior varsity football players, and shoes for coaches.
- Nike/Iolani Classic: Providing basketball shoes and other equipment for all boys and girls basketball players.
- Shane Victorino: Supplying baseball/softball cleats and other equipment for all players.
- Mark Rolfing: Offering golf equipment/supplies for all boys and girls golfers.
- Young Brothers: Donating four shipping containers for secure storage of athletic equipment and supplies.
- Hawaiian Airlines, Pagoda Hotel, Enterprise Rent a Car, and Zippy’s: Pledging to cover all state tournament expenses for Lahainaluna teams this year.
ESPN Honolulu serves as the official radio partner of the Luna Strong campaign, while aio Media and aio Digital are the official magazine and digital partners.
To date, the Luna Strong campaign has amassed over $325,000 in funds, along with numerous in-kind contributions.
DACH President, Keith Amemiya, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, emphasizing the campaign’s potential to restore a sense of normalcy and hope to the affected community.
Donations to the Luna Strong Fund from companies and the public are encouraged and can be made online at downtownathleticclubhawaii.org or by check payable to “DACH – Luna Strong Fund,” P.O. Box 3590, Honolulu, HI 96811.
For further details on DACH and the Luna Strong Fund, please visit downtownathleticclubhawaii.org.
About DACH: The Downtown Athletic Club of Hawaii is a non-profit organization dedicated to bolstering sports programs and initiatives in Hawaii. Established in 2012, DACH has consistently shown support through various events, luncheons, and gatherings for local sports.
Past DACH events have featured notable speakers including former Hawaii NFL players Olin Kreutz, Manti Te’o, Marcus Mariota, and Chad Owens, as well as Major League Baseball All-Star, Shane Victorino, University of Hawaii coaches, and renowned sports personalities like Neil Everett and Larry Beil.
Previous fundraising endeavors by DACH have successfully raised $131,500 to aid the Molokai and Lanai High School Athletic Departments, as well as $30,000 for the Pacific Islands Athletic Alliance, providing scholarships and financial aid to over 1,200 college-bound athletes from Hawaii and American Samoa.
CONTACT: Keith Amemiya
President, Downtown Athletic Club of Hawaii
(808) 224-6772
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