YWCA ‘Remarkable People’ luncheon lauded Debra Ching Maiava and the legacy of David De Luz, Sr.
Event raised a record $25k+ after pandemic hiatus
HILO, HI (August 10, 2022)—Before a sold-out room, YWCA of Hawaii Island honored restaurateur Debra Ching Maiava and the late Dave De Luz, Sr., as its 2022 Remarkable People.
The 11th annual event was held on Thursday, July 28, at the UH Hilo Campus Center Dining Room. Last held in 2019, Remarkable People returned this summer after a hiatus due to the pandemic, netting a record $25,635.
“We were thrilled to celebrate Debbie and the legacy of Dave De Luz, Sr., for their monumental contributions to the local workplace and our community,” said Kathleen McGilvray, CEO of YWCA of Hawaii Island. Ching Maiava is the owner of two beloved, landmark restaurants in Hilo, Ken’s House of Pancakes and Pond’s. De Luz, Sr., who passed away in 2018 at the age of 86, was the owner of Big Island Toyota, De Luz Chevrolet, Kukaiau Ranch, and Hawaii Beef Producers; and the founder of Big Island Motors.
One hundred percent of the funds raised from the event stay in the County to ensure YWCA of Hawaii Island’s vital services are available to those who need them. These services are provided through YWCA’s three signature programs: Sexual assault support services, including the only 24-hour sexual assault hotline for the island (808-935-0677); the Healthy Families program that empowers families to raise healthy, well-adjusted children; and YWCA preschool, one of the only nationally accredited, developmental preschools in East Hawaii.
About YWCA of Hawaii Island
Established in 1919, YWCA of Hawaii Island is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
To accomplish this mission, YWCA of Hawaii Island has evolved to address some of the most pressing needs of the community, focusing on:
- Nurturing families through uniquely provided, trauma-informed counseling, advocacy, and developmental based education, and establishing a love of learning through child and family focused education.
- Helping sex assault survivors heal by responding to their call for help, providing trauma informed counseling and serving as their advocates if they pursue justice.
- Eliminating social, economic, and physical barriers to success for women and families by delivering direct family support services and educational programs that empower them to reach their full potential within their families and in the larger community.
- Building strong family and community connections through education, collaboration, and partnerships.
YWCA of Hawaii Island is part of YWCA USA, the oldest and largest national women’s organization with the mission of empowering women and eliminating racism. Nationally, the YWCA represents 2 million women, girls and their families in the US each year. Globally, YWCA USA is a member of World YWCA, which has affiliates in over 100 countries that serve 25 million women and girls worldwide.
YWCA of Hawaii Island is headquartered at 145 Ululani St. in Hilo. Telephone: (808) 935-7141; on the web at www.ywcahawaiiisland.org.