Giving Week raises more than $1.3M for student-athletes

KHON2's John Veneri gives UH athletes a pep talk along with basketball coach Eran Ganot.

UH athletes and coaches fielded calls during the Hawai‘i’s Team Drive telethon, hosted by KHON2.

UH Athletics’ Giving Week: Our Team. Hawai‘i’s Team (September 6–16) received tremendous support from alumni, fans, friends and the community, tallying more than 1,200 donors who helped raise more than $1.34 million. Funds will provide opportunities for student-athletes through scholarships, academic resources, nutrition, mental health services and facilities.

“We’re at the official end of Giving Week and this has been a remarkable success,” said University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletics Director Matt Elliott in a mahalo video message. “Thanks to the generosity of our community, including the transformative support from alumni Gabe and Shirley Lee, this has become our most successful effort yet and it sets the stage for an even brighter future.”

A centerpiece of the week was the Hawai‘i’s Team Drive telethon, hosted by KHON2 in collaboration with ‘Ahahui Koa Ānuenue, the UH Foundation and UH Mānoa Athletics. The live broadcast raised $89,383 and featured inspiring stories of student-athletes and coaches, including Laura Beeman, Robyn Ah Mow and Landon Sims. Governor Josh Green, Mayor Rick Blangiardi, UH President Wendy Hensel, and former coaches June Jones and Dave Shoji joined community leaders and alumni to share their support.

The weeklong campaign also engaged the broader community through media and cultural features. Sam Choy’s In The Kitchen highlighted the importance of nutrition for athletes, while alumni such as Kolten Wong, Nani Cockett and Artie Wilson appeared live during the Drive. Messages from volleyball greats Yuval Katz and Costas Theocharidis added to the celebration, along with a special performance by football alum and entertainer Henry Kapono.

Behind the scenes, dozens of coaches, alumni, student-athletes and volunteers staffed the call center, underscoring the collaborative spirit that defines Hawai‘i’s team.

“The best part of Giving Week was the synergy with all those involved,” said ‘Ahahui Koa Ānuenue President David Kawada. “It demonstrated what’s possible when our community comes together.”

Donations came in from more than 32 states, with all 21 teams receiving support through the Our Team. Hawai‘i’s Team and Boost the ’Bows campaigns.

UH President Wendy Hensel noted, “Giving Week highlighted the university’s mission in action. Every contribution directly supports excellence and expands access for our student-athletes.”

UH Foundation CEO and UH Vice President of Advancement Tim Dolan added, “We are deeply grateful to every donor who stepped forward. This generosity demonstrates the impact philanthropy has when our community invests in Hawai‘i’s future.”

When you give, you’re part of the team – join us at HawaiiAthletics.com/HawaiisTeam.

About UH Mānoa Athletics

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Athletics Department sponsors 21 intercollegiate sports at the NCAA Division I level, providing student-athletes with opportunities to excel academically and athletically while representing Hawai‘i on a national stage.