Meet our 2023 Volunteer Heroes!
Over one hundred nonprofit organizations serve the Maui County community, proving the truth of the statement "Maui No Ka Oi." Each organization is proud to host a crew of dedicated volunteers that contribute to the success of their agency missions.
The County of Maui Volunteer Center is proud to announce 31 individuals that impressed and inspired their respective nonprofit organizations. To all that know these folks, they are heroes! The 2023 Volunteer Heroes were specially chosen and nominated by the agencies for which they donate their time and hearts.
Shining a Spotlight on the 2023 Volunteer Heroes
The Volunteer Heroes are being recognized on social media during National Volunteer Week (April 16-22, 2023). Please take some time to read each of these outstanding human's volunteer biographies on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Each of the Volunteer Heroes receives a Volunteer Hero t-shirt. Winners also receive an official certificate from the Mayor's Office at a celebratory in person event. Thousands of hours of donated time can be found among these passionate people. Maui County owes them an immense amount of gratitude.
Meet The 2023 Maui County Volunteer Heroes
**These volunteers are listed in no particular order.
Henrietta Chong, ALEXANDER & BALDWIN SUGAR MUSEUM AND MAUI ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
Henrietta Chong was nominated by two separate nonprofits in Maui County. Her knowledge about the plantation era and her willingness to share stories makes her an outstanding docent for the education program at Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum. She is a role model for other volunteers and she makes everyone who visits the Sugar Museum feel welcomed.
Henrietta also works with the Maui Economic Opportunty's Head Start program where she helps identify families in need. Henrietta's charm is her humbleness. She is down-to-Earth and has a deep desire to help others.
Mansa Devaki, AMERICAN RED CROSS
Mansa Devaki is the founding President of the Seabury Hall Red Cross Club and a Champion of the American Red Cross. Mansa collaborated with school administrators and the American Red Cross to spearhead the "Seabury's Got Heart" event which made Seabury Hall the first school in Hawaii to train all students how to Save a Life.
Wendy King, COMMON GROUND COLLECTIVE
Wendy King started volunteering with Common Ground Collective when they broke ground on their community garden in 2021. Even when the weather conditions are not very nice, you can find her at work in the gardens. She shares information about the collective any chance she gets and is always looking to support their mission to help grow and provide food for people in need.
Carol Irwin, DLNR / DOFAW
Carol Irwin is always friendly and enthusiastic with everyone, an overall good-will ambassador for DLNR. She provides a great example to both residents and visitors of the power of volunteering in a place she loves. She happily and without prompting, transported hundreds of gallons of water over the years to water native plants. The world would be a little less green without Carol's dedication. As the wiliwili and maiapilo grow larger, we can see all that Carol has given to `Ahihi-Kina`u Natural Area Reserve. DLNR / DOFAW.
Barbara Coda, EAST MAUI ANIMAL REFUGE
Barbara Coda is a retired physician dedicated to organizing and maintaining the health of each animal at East Maui Animal Refuge. Not only has she taken any cat to the vet whenever a problem appears, but she has paid for the veterinary service from her own personal funds. She is a role model for the organization because she helps identify problems that arise and takes it upon herself to fix them immediately.
Paula Keele, ENHANCE FITNESS
Paula Keele tirelessly volunteers her services to encourage seniors to improve their lives through activity with Enhance Fitness. She empowers others to improve physical function, decrease depression, decrease medical care, hospitalizations and mortality rates. She is a role model for the rest of the instructors to not only teach their classes, but to extend the benefits of exercise to people in the community and improve their lives. The Office on Aging knows they can always count on Paula.
Edeltraud Muroki, EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING
Edeltraud Muroki provides support to residents within the Executive Office on Aging so they can become their own champion improving quality of life at the facility. She is fearless and tenacious. She has a strong sense of right and wrong and really goes all out to protect and advocate for her residents.
Samuel Hambek, FARMERS VOICE HAWAII
Mr. Samuel Hambek is a Kahikinui, Maui homesteader who guides construction of homes, teaching along the way with Farmers Voice Hawaii. He empowers other homesteaders to gain skills and confidence to build for themselves in order to strengthen the ability of homesteaders to live on their 'aina. He is an incredible role model for the younger generation.
Ashley Casil, HAKU BALDWIN CENTER
Ashley Casil assists youth as a sidewalker in therapeutic/adaptive riding lessons at Haku Baldwin Center. Ashley's ability to adapt and learn new skills helped advance her volunteer duties. Extraordinary volunteers like Ashley help us fulfill the mission of Haku Baldwin Center to bring joy and healing through horses. She shows true dedication to the participants, organization, and community as a valued member of the team.
Janice McCarty, HAWAII ANIMAL RESCUE FOUNDATION
Janice McCarty is an amazing woman who gives her all to the rescued horses at Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation. She is kind and gentle and has an unspoken grace with the animals. Janice goes above and beyond her job requirements, by researching new techniques and care standards. She is always looking for ways to make the animals feel healthier and happier. The horses love her and know they are in good hands.
Kilia Purdy-Avelino, HO'OLEHUA HOMESTEADERS ASSOCIATION
Kilia Purdy-Avelino shares her extensive knowledge with all homestead keiki at Hoolehua Homesteaders Association. Her focus is on teaching and nurturing keiki, keeping them active with the aina pulapula here in Hoolehua. Kilia keeps close contact with the Department of Hawaiian Homelands so that no one misses out on services and benefits of Native Hawaiians actively farming on the homestead.
Harold Ferris, HOSPICE MAUI
Harold Ferris put together the donated buildings which became Hospice Maui's first offices on site 30 years ago. You can literally see Harold's work everywhere at Hospice Maui. He is humble, hard working, always ready to lend a hand, go the extra mile, and give an extra hug. It's inspiring to witness his dedication, friendship, kindness and generosity.
Susan Graham, LA'AKEA VILLAGE
Susan Graham is enthusiastic, willing and skilled in many areas! She has given La'akea Village countless volunteer hours. As the La'akea Village Board of Directors President, she supports the wishes and activities of each committee. Susan's selfless motivation to support the many volunteer opportunities of La'akea Village contributes immensely to their ability to continue to grow authentic life-sharing opportunities for adults with differing abilities.
Lynn Britton, MA'ALAEA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Lynn Britton's dedication to the Ma'alaea Community Association is evident in her willingness to devote hundreds of volunteer hours to complete a project and to leverage her vast network of community connections. She seeks out opportunities for all voices to be heard and promotes greater understanding among varied viewpoints as part of the community dialogue.
Mabel Sakuma, MAUI ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER
Mabel Sakuma has helped countless people in various roles as a volunteer at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Her service has reached people of all ages, from the youngest school age children at their educational ""Can-Do"" days, various field trips for middle school & high school students all the way up to helping at AARP events. She has volunteered at over 5,300 events at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, putting in more than 25,000 hours of service time. She is an excellent example for us all!
Kapua Chang, MALAMA MAUI NUI
Kapua Chang supports and builds up Malama Maui Nui as Board Treasurer. With her steadfast support of the mission, background in environmental education, and her passion to malama 'aina, she has been a tremendous value to the leadership needed to propel Malama Maui Nui forward. She is always available to support with her many gifts and talents.
Michael Elam, MANA'O RADIO
Michael Elam has been a DJ at Mana'o Radio since 2006, and Board President for the past 7 years. During that time Michael has transformed the organization, leading by example and fostering a culture of high standards while encouraging the freedom and individuality of his fellow DJs. As he often says, his role is to clear obstacles so more volunteers can get things done. Through his leadership, Manaʻo Radio has become a powerful force for connectivity, bringing volunteers and listeners together in a shared love of music.
Dr. Bridget Bongaard, MAUI CANCER RESOURCES
Dr. Bridget Bongaard conducts all the medical consultations for cancer patients at Maui Cancer Resources. As she helps people from all over the island navigate the journey from diagnosis to survival or end of life. She even called a patient from Rome while on vacation just to help them through their journey. She is a dedicated and compassionate volunteer.
Melissa Johnson, MAUI COUNTY COMPOSITE SQUADRON CIVIL AIR PATROL
1st Lt Melissa Johnson assists youth with learning disabilities find a path through the cadet program at Maui County Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol. She works to make them more confident leaders. An increasingly large percentage of students are being diagnosed with ADHD and PTSD. Lt Johnson has been at the forefront in helping those cadets work through their disabilities and excel. Her tireless and countless hours of volunteer work and dedication are a model for all volunteers to emulate.
Dalia Tzror, MAUI CAT RESCUE
Dalia Tzror is a full time volunteer for Maui Cat Rescue. She works almost every day caring for the cats at the rescue facility, helping the cats to become more socialized as well as welcoming guests and explaining the Maui Cat Rescue mission and programs. She helps clean, feed, and is always the first one to pitch in. Dalia is a kind and compassionate person who inspires many.
Buck Joiner, MALAMA MAUI NUI
Buck Joiner has committed to volunteering with Malama Maui Nui for nearly 40 years! Buck's level of enthusiasm and determination for keeping Maui clean and healthy is a constant that we can all strive to meet. Buck brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every event. When Malama Maui Nui has a need, Buck can be counted on to volunteer, lend advice and even take on the role of our event weatherman!
Paige Green, MAUI FOOD BANK
Paige Green is a consistent and faithful volunteer at Maui Food Bank. She has made an impact at the Food Bank because of her exceptional work ethic and positive attitude. She is an efficient and reliable volunteer. Mahalo to Paige for helping Maui Food Bank fulfill its mission to provide safe and nutritious food for anyone in need.
Mick Bursack, MAUI HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Mick Bursack continues to grow as a volunteer at Maui Historical Society. He is full of ever-expanding knowledge and skills, hosting a video on the Small Town Big Art Project, studying for his paralegal degree and concentrating on Laws that benefit Hawaiians. With his distinctive laugh, Mick is a complete winner, a perfect docent.
Cassondra Christman, MAUI HUMANE SOCIETY
Cassondra Christman spends hours every day -rain or shine at Maui Humane Society bringing dogs into the play yards, taking them on walks, helping in the kennels and everything in between! She ALWAYS has bandanas and bow ties in her pockets to dress the doggies up and you can find her passing out peanut butter & whipped cream Kongs to every pup every day. She gains the trust of the dogs (that have no reason to trust a human) quicker than anyone thought possible. She is a beautiful and caring human!
Ed Quiring, MAUI MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AUXILIARY
Ed Quiring is a kind, caring, friendly, enthusiastic part of Maui Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. The word 'no' or 'I can't' is not part of his vocabulary. He does the work of 4 or 5 volunteers and is the ultimate role model for others. His sense of commitment, dependability and exemplary work ethic is inspiring. He is comfortable with and welcomed by all, volunteers, visitors and staff.
Mike Ing, MAUI NUI SEABIRD RECOVERY PROJECT
Mike Ing demonstrates unwavering reliability as he leads efforts to remove invasive species from native seabird habitats every single day. He has grown as a volunteer by gaining valuable experience, caring about the seabirds and discovering smart ways to protect them. He takes new people under his wing to help them thrive which creates a fun, inclusive environment -especially with his personal shave ice machine that he brings for ultimate refreshment after a long day of working in the hot sun. He's the best!
Reatha Sorensen, NA HOALOHA
Reatha Sorensen has contributed more than 800 hours of compassionate care to many kupuna. She becomes a friend they can count on for care and support from the time she picks them up until they are returned home. Reatha represents Na Hoaloha's mission to provide compassionate care to seniors, to help them remain independent and enhance their quality of life. She has shown tremendous dedication to helping others and fulfilling her commitment to the safety and well-being of kupuna.
Lianne Suzuki, ORGAN TRANSPLANT MAUI
Lianne Suzuki is one of the founding members of Organ Transplant Maui. She is truly an inspiration to everyone as a kidney organ transplant recipient. Although her journey through organ transplant started over twenty years ago, many feel inspired by listening to her bravery fighting all odds. Organ Transplant Maui is blessed to have Lianne as one of their greatest assets.
Jamie-Sue West, PACIFIC PRIMATE SANCTUARY, INC.
Jamie-Sue West has been an exceptional Volunteer at Pacific Primate Sanctuary over the last year. She is highly compassionate both towards the animals, as well as her fellow volunteers. She has been focused on learning all she can about the species in our care, to ensure that she is always providing skilled care. Jamie-Sue also regularly seeks out ways to improve the lives of the animals. The Sanctuary is deeply grateful to have Jamie-Sue on their team!
Audrey Rocha Reed, PORTUGUESE ASSOCIATION OF MAUI
Audrey Rocha Reed has dedicated over 50 years with the Portuguese Association of Maui. She is integral in maintaining the culture and tradition of the Portuguese who arrived in Hawaii for the sugarcane plantations. At over 80 years old, she regularly participates in all meetings and events and is the guardian of traditional recipes. She is the best person to tell stories about Portuguese ancestors and life on the sugarcane plantations.
Savannah Gankiewicz, WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL BEAUTIFUL
Savannah Gankiewicz, Miss Hawaii USA and the program director at What Makes You Feel Beautiful, has made a significant impact on the organization's mission to empower girls and young women to cultivate self-love. Savannah's dedication to the mission has helped launch the F.L.Y youth program that visited Baldwin H.S. and taught two classes on how to deal with self-critical thoughts. Her contributions to the organization have been invaluable, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of young women to believe in themselves and their abilities.
CELEBRATE OUR HEROES
View stories and photos of the 2023 Volunteer Heroes throughout National Volunteer Week on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/handsonmaui/) and Instagram @handsonmaui
To learn more about the County of Maui Volunteer Center go to www.handsonmaui.com. You may also email Wendy Stebbins, County of Maui Volunteer Center Coordinator at wendy.stebbins@mauicounty.gov or call 808-270-7150.
