HONOLULU — Community, laughter, and goodwill filled the halls of the Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) during its annual workplace giving campaign, where employees rallied together to raise $116,000 for Aloha United Way, Hawaii Island United Way, Kauai United Way, and Maui United Way.
Campaign events reflected energy, camaraderie, and a little friendly competition. From a giant inflatable soccer ball to Teen Wolf, executives and senior leaders traded business attire for costumes as part of four spirited breakfast, lunch, and dinner fundraisers benefiting Hawaii’s United Way organizations. Employees and leaders alike also donned jerseys representing their favorite sports teams.
Coming up next, employee artisans and crafters will help bring HMSA’s annual giving campaign to a festive close with the return of the Holiday Fair on Nov. 12. Held for the first time since 2019, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Aloha United Way (AUW). Together with prior employee and retiree contributions and corporate matches, the funds will support United Way organizations addressing community needs across Hawaii.
“From team jerseys and awesome costumes to the return of our Holiday Fair, this year’s campaign has showcased the incredible energy and generosity across HMSA,” said Rick Hopfer, HMSA executive vice president and chief information officer and member of the AUW board of directors. “Giving back is part of who we are, and this campaign reflects the same dedication we bring to serving our members and communities every day.”
AUW highlighted the significance of the campaign. “Behind every dollar raised is a neighbor who cares about another neighbor. That’s what makes HMSA’s commitment so meaningful,” said Michelle Bartell, AUW president and chief executive officer. “At a time when so many Hawaii families are struggling to make ends meet, this generosity helps United Ways across our islands show up for our communities, in times of crisis and every day in between.”
The annual campaign reflects HMSA’s ongoing commitment to supporting organizations that help strengthen the health and well-being of Hawaii’s communities.
About HMSA
Caring for the people of Hawaii is HMSA’s promise and privilege. Working together with employers, partners, and physicians and other health care providers, we promote well-being; develop reliable, affordable health plans; and support members with clear, thoughtful guidance. Established in 1938 by social workers, HMSA is the most experienced health plan in the state. Starting in 2025, HMSA is supporting TriWest Healthcare Alliance to administer the U.S. Department of Defense’s TRICARE program, providing health care for uniformed service members, their families, and survivors locally. With the addition of TRICARE, HMSA provides health care to nearly 1 million people in Hawaii. We embrace our responsibility as a recognized leader to strengthen the health and well-being of our community. Headquartered on Oahu with centers statewide to serve our members, HMSA is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
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HMSA has respectfully removed all diacritical markings from this news release for media and web formatting purposes.
VISUALS
To access photos of this year’s employee giving campaign events, use the following link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1q_zGgJ8ETHfJ2HpEd6b_jw3PFdqrZFXv. For courtesy, please credit HMSA.