One year after the devastating Maui wildfires, Marc and Lynne Benioff, long-standing philanthropists in the state of Hawai’i, have made a $2 million gift to fund the Lahaina HERO Awards.
Why it’s important: The initiative, announced by Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green, M.D., on August 19, honors Department of Education (DOE) employees who worked to keep Lahaina schools open during and after the wildfires. HERO stands for Honoring Employees’ Resilience and Optimism.
Driving the news: The Lahaina HERO Awards recognize approximately 400 DOE employees who kept Lahaina schools operational through adversity. Financial awards will be granted with support from the Benioffs’ philanthropic donation. Salaried employees will receive $2,500, and casual employees up to $2,000 per award period.
The Salesforce perspective: Marc and Lynne Benioff have demonstrated a longtime commitment to philanthropy in Hawai’i. To date, the Benioffs have donated over $250 million to various organizations in the state of Hawai’i and continue to remain an active part of the community.
What Marc and Lynne Benioff are saying:
- “We are honored to stand with the hundreds of brave, dedicated educators and staff whose strength and resilience in the face of extraordinary challenges has been nothing short of heroic. Education has always been a focus of our philanthropy, as it is the cornerstone of our communities. We are inspired by the commitment of these employees and proud to play a part in ensuring that Lahaina’s children continue to have access to the education they deserve.”
Education has always been a focus of our philanthropy, as it is the cornerstone of our communities.
– Marc and Lynne Benioff
What Gov. Josh Green, M.D., is saying:
- “The dedication shown by our Lahaina school employees during and after the wildfires is nothing short of extraordinary. They embody the very essence of aloha – resilient in the face of adversity, compassionate in their service to others, and deeply committed to the wellbeing of our keiki. These awards are a heartfelt recognition of their incredible efforts, but more than that, they are a celebration of the unwavering spirit that these individuals have brought to their community. In the darkest of times, they have been a beacon of hope and strength for Lahaina’s students and families. We are profoundly grateful for their courage, sacrifice, and love for our island ‘ohana.”
What DOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi is saying:
- “We are deeply appreciative of the philanthropic gift from Marc and Lynne Benioff and for the vital partnership with Governor Green, which brought the Lahaina HERO program to life. This initiative honors the resilience and service of our employees who, despite personal and professional challenges, reopened our Lahaina schools last October and continue to serve our Lahaina students, providing support, community, education and a sense of normalcy.”
Go deeper:
- Learn more about Marc and Lynne Benioff’s philanthropy in Hawai’i
- Hear from Marc Benioff about the importance of his philanthropic efforts in Hawai’i
- Learn more about Salesforce’s Annual Giving Back initiatives
