First Hawaiian Bank Foundation and Other Funders Step Up In Support

HONOLULU, HAWAII (September 21, 2015) – On Thursday, September 17, 2015, Augustine Educational Foundation (AEF) hosted their 14th annual Donor Appreciation Reception at the Halekulani Hotel, honoring funders for their support of Catholic education in Hawaii. “This annual event honors those who have so generously contributed to our mission of making Catholic education more affordable for families in Hawaii,” says Bishop of Honolulu and Augustine Educational Foundation Chairman, Most Reverend Larry Silva.

Among the honorees was First Hawaiian Bank Foundation, who presented Augustine Educational Foundation with a check for $75,000. First Hawaiian Bank Foundation is first to step-up in support of the PWH Scholars Program, which stands for Perseverance, Wisdom, Hope. The program provides deserving students opportunities to receive a Catholic education otherwise impossible without financial assistance.

This donation is in addition to $200,000 First Hawaiian Bank Foundation has donated to Augustine Educational Foundation to support their Scholarship Program. “We are so grateful to generous companies like First Hawaiian Bank Foundation, who believe in Catholic education, our students, and building communities of faith,” says Executive Director, Sue Ferandin.

By September 30th, Augustine Educational Foundation will have awarded $855,000 in scholarships and grants to Hawaii Catholic Schools this year. Since its inception over 25 years ago, the Foundation has distributed over $9 million in tuition scholarships to families who seek a Catholic education and in grants to educators who improve the quality of education in our schools.

“We are improving or increasing Catholic educational opportunities for the children of Hawaii. 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,” Ferandin explained, “none of which would be possible without the generosity and consideration of our funders who have chosen to make an investment in our kids.”

If you would like to support Catholic education in the State of Hawaii, Augustine Educational Foundation encourages you to visit their website and make a donation, www.augustinefoundation.org/donate.