The Augustine Educational Foundation awarded $855,000 this year in scholarships to Hawaii Catholic school students and grants to Hawaii Catholic schools, topping $9 million in total distributions since it started more than 25 years ago.
The foundation honored its many funders Sept. 17 at its 14th annual Donor Appreciation Reception at the Halekulani Hotel.
“This annual event honors those who have so generously contributed to our mission of making Catholic education more affordable for families in Hawaii,” said Augustine Educational Foundation chairman Bishop Larry Silva.
Among those recognized was the First Hawaiian Bank Foundation, which gave the foundation $75,000 for its PWH Scholars Program. The program provides deserving students the chance to receive a Catholic education that would have been impossible without financial help.
First Hawaiian Bank’s donation was in addition to $200,000 it has already given to the Augustine Foundation.
Augustine’s executive director Sue Ferandin thanked First Hawaiian for believing in “Catholic education, our students, and building communities of faith.”
“We are improving or increasing Catholic educational opportunities for the children of Hawaii,” said Ferandin. “Our work ranges from providing scholarships to families who have fallen on financial hardship, to funding technology in the classroom, to supporting our students with counseling and college preparation.”
None of this would be possible, she said, “without the generosity and consideration of our funders.”
To donate to the Augustine Educational Foundation go to www.augustinefoundation.org/donate.