Hawaii-born entrepreneur Steve Case, who co-founded AOL, has pledged $1 million to help people impacted by the wildfires on Maui, according to a press release from Grove Farm, a Kauai-based farm that Case owns.
“The destruction and loss on Maui is devastating to watch, and the impact on communities, such as Lahaina, is tragic,” said Case in a written statement. “This iconic, historic town represents the best of the culture, natural beauty and warm Aloha spirit that has come to define Hawaii. My heart and prayers go out to all of those impacted across Maui by these horrific events.”
The still-active Lahaina wildfires have claimed at least 67 lives as of Friday afternoon, as previously reported by Pacific Business News.
The $1 million donation will go to the Grove Farm Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Grove Farm. It will be directed to four nonprofits:
- Hawaii Community Foundation, which is mobilizing relief and recovery efforts through its Maui Strong fund.
- World Central Kitchen, which provides food to frontline workers and those who lost homes.
- American Red Cross, which provides shelter, food and support.
- The Salvation Army, which provides emergency food and support.
The nonprofit Grove Farm Foundation supports diversified agriculture, provides students with scholarships and creates economic opportunities. It was originally established about 20 years ago to help residents of Kauai.
“The people of Kauai know from their own experience how tragic natural disasters can be,” said Don Horner, the chief executive officer of Grove Farm, in a written statement. “Grove Farm, and others across the state, must support Maui’s efforts to rebuild.”
