May 14, 2022, 9:08 a.m. HST
* Updated May 14, 7:30 a.m.
Maui Mall Village in Kahului recently hosted the island’s first International Best Buddies Friendship Walk on May 7, 2022.
The center partnered with Best Buddies Hawaiʻi, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, for the Friendship Walk fundraiser which raised $54,288 to support local programs.
More than 100 participants, volunteers, family members and partners were cheered on by the mall community, including customers, tenants and other visitors, as they marched with determination along the route inside of the Center.
On stage, program participants also shared heartfelt stories about their buddies during the live program.
The Friendship Walk also included live music at center stage, games, face painting and giveaways.
“It was truly inspiring to see so many happy faces at the Maui Mall Village and to have the support of the community, visitors and tenants for the pals,” said Brian Yano, vice president and outdoor manager, JLL, and proud board member of Best Buddies Hawaii.
