PHILANTHROPY
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It’s All AboutYOU An Immigrant’s Dream – a Community’s Future The Koehnen Family Leaves a Legacy
Hilo’s Koehnen family knows a bit about leaving a legacy. They’ve been part of the community for decades, ever since Fritz Koehnen immigrated to Hawai‘i Island from Germany in 1909 on a two-year employment
The Koehnen family’s legacy lives on through the Koehnen Ltd. Scholarship Fund at HCF which benefits Hawai’i Island college students.
contract. At the time, he worked in a brand new building — one that would later be called the Koehnen Building, home to his family’s business for almost 100 years. Even though the building recently sold, the family legacy continues through the Koehnen Ltd. Scholarship Fund at HCF. “Its purpose is two-
fold,” said Fred J. Koehnen, 92 year-old son of Fritz Koehnen. “To honor my father and what he did in life, and to give back and strengthen the community.” The scholarship fund provides support to children of retail store employees on Hawai‘i Island, making sure these young people can pursue their dreams, just as
“You have to have a passion and a purpose.” – Fred J. Koehnen
> Did you know: Twenty-five scholarship funds at HCF are available only to students from Hawai‘i Island, making sure youth from that area can get the education they deserve.
Learn how it’s about y ou at HawaiiCommunity F oundation.o r g
Fritz Koehnen did all those years ago. Koehnen’s Interiors has left a mark on the Hilo community for over eight decades, and with this fund, will continue to inspire the community for generations yet to come. “We’re not rich, but we’re fortunate to have what we have from Dad’s business,” Fred said. “You have to have a passion and a purpose. We have both.”