Three of the Hawai`i Convention Center’s largest meetings of 2011 made significant contributions to Hawai`i schools, hospitals, nonprofit organizations and communities, all while attracting more than 25,000 participants from around the world, resulting in more than $120 million in state revenue.
Photo courtesy of Sacred Hearts Academy
American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP): Under its philanthropic arm, The Chest Foundation, 45 volunteers and medical professionals worked with Honolulu’s Sacred Hearts Academy to educate more than 100 students about tobacco prevention and lung health. The Foundation’s OneBreath initiative also donated $10,000 to support ongoing health programs and activities at the school. In addition, renowned specialists delivered “grand rounds” lectures at select Hawai`i hospitals to provide their expertise on specific patient cases.
The "APA Gives Back Program" donated over $7,000 for Mental Health Kokua.
American Psychiatric Association (APA): As part of the “APA Gives Back Program,” meeting participants donated $7,158 for Hawai`i nonprofit Mental Health Kokua, which helps people with mental illness achieve optimum recovery and the ability to function in the community. APA’s contribution will support the organization’s tele-health program, which provides care to dozens of people across the state, many of whom live in rural areas, who are recovering from mental illness. The American Psychiatric Foundation also hosted the Hawai`i Aloha Classic 2011 golf tournament in partnership with the Waipahu Aloha Club at the Waikele Country Club to assist in raising funds.
The AAN Foundation's Brain Health Fair drew 1,400 participants.
American Academy of Neurology (AAN): The AAN Foundation, which supports education and research in neurology, held its first-ever Brain Health Fair, a public event that drew more than 1,400 participants to the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. The free event included a film festival, interactive exhibits, giveaways, family-friendly activities, and Q&A sessions with experts – all to promote brain health.
“The positive impact of groups meeting in Hawai`i often reaches much further than room nights and visitor spending. The wealth of information, resources, and generosity that these meetings have brought to Hawai`i will enhance our islands for years to come,” said Joe Davis, SMG general manager of the Hawai`i Convention Center. “We are proud to see our guests and partners carry on the spirit of Na Mea Ho`okipa – the unconditional aloha spirit that the Hawai`i Convention Center holds at the center of its mission.”
