For Immediate Release
Contact: Tim Dagenais, President & COO 808-680-7302 • tdagenais@tonygroup.com
Tony Group makes $50,000 donation to the Hawai‘i Resilience Fund at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation in support of COVID-19 response. HONOLULU –Tony Hawaii Automotive Group (Tony Group) announced today that it has made a $50,000 donation to the Hawai‘i Resilience Fund at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) to support those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its launch on March 18, the Hawai‘i Resilience Fund at HCF has received more than $11.1 million in contributions, including the gift from Tony Group. In just eight weeks, more than $6.8 million has been granted to 48 nonprofit organizations to provide necessary support to our island communities during this unique time. Recent grants from the fund have provided food, childcare, rental assistance, and more to those affected by the economic ramifications of the coronavirus in Hawai‘i. Early grants increased PPE supplies for healthcare workers and clinics, and expanded coronavirus testing in the state. “On behalf of the communities who will benefit and the nonprofits who serve them, we thank Tony Group for their generous gift to the Hawai‘i Resilience Fund,” said Micah Kāne, CEO and president of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. “During this time of need, it’s support such as this that brings people hope.” HCF has a unique role in disaster preparedness and response. The foundation collaborates with disaster relief organizations, community groups, and the private sector, for a coordinated effort and maximum community impact. From the flooding on the North Shore of Kaua‘i to volcano eruptions on Hawai‘i Island, HCF distributes grant funds quickly to community organizations that are meeting the needs of response efforts. “We knew we wanted to help support our local community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic but it was a challenge to determine which organization could make the biggest impact,” said Stan Masamitsu, president of Tony Group. “We already work with The Hawai‘i Community Foundation, which is set up to take in donations from local businesses like Tony Group, and through their new Hawai‘i Resilience Fund provide grants directly to local non-profits that are making a real difference in the lives of people affected by COVID-19 in Hawai‘i.” To learn more about the Hawai‘i Resilience Fund at HCF, visit HawaiiCommunityFoundation.org/coronavirus About Tony Group Tony Masamitsu founded Tony Group in 1967 when he opened his first Honda dealership in Japan. Tony Honda opened in 1977 as the first exclusive Honda dealership on O‘ahu. Today, Tony Group is one of the largest automotive dealer groups in Hawai‘i with Tony Honda, Tony Nissan, Tony Volkswagen, Tony Hyundai, Genesis of Waipio, Autoplex Car Wash and Tony Group Collision Center at the Tony Group Autoplex in Waipio; and Tony Honda Hilo and Tony Honda Kona on the Big Island. About the Hawai‘i Community Foundation With over 100 years of community service, the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) is the leading philanthropic institution in the state. HCF is a steward of more than 950 funds, including more than 280 scholarship funds, created by donors who desire to transform lives and improve communities. In 2019, HCF distributed more than $63 million in grants and contracts statewide, including more than $7 million in scholarships. HCF also serves as a resource on community issues and trends in the nonprofit sector. ###