Guy Toyama Memorial Fund to support sustainability, entrepreneurship
A new memorial fund seeks to raise $1 million to honor the life and legacy of Hawaii visionary, Guy Toyama. Sustainability grants and scholarships will foster positive change worldwide, and advance innovation and entrepreneurship in areas of environmentally sound practices in Hawaii and around the world.
The Guy Toyama Memorial Fund will provide scholarships for students interested in sustainability and entrepreneurship. In addition, the fund will provide grants for non-profit projects focused on innovation and sustainability integration. The fund will create positive outcomes for future generations through disciplines such as renewable energy, local food production, and waste reduction.
Toyama, a Hawaii visionary and champion of sustainable business and renewable energy, passed away in November of 2012. In honor of his longstanding commitment to improving the relationship between people and the islands, his never-ending spirit of kuleana will be carried on through the fund.
All who knew Guy were touched by his enthusiasm for life and his many passions. His joyful exuberance and his exceptional knowledge of how to live lightly on the planet were a source of inspiration to many. This memorial fund, made possible by donations from friends, family, and businesses, furthers Guy’s global vision for a better future.
“Guy’s gift of generosity and his passion for positive social and environmental change were contagious. The memorial fund celebrates his enthusiasm and his unending dedication to the community,†said Debbie Baker, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce.
Initially, the fund will focus on Hawaii Island and the state of Hawaii. Donor support may allow the fund to expand its efforts globally. A fundraising pau hana kickoff event for the fund is planned for Friday April 26, 2013 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at the Gateway Energy Center near the entrance of the Natural Energy Laboratory Hawaii Authority (NELHA).
“Guy lived his life with a deep sense of kuleana, and he treated everyone with aloha. He made everyone he touched believe that we can solve our problems and live and work in harmony with each other and nature,†said Walter Kunitake, President of the Kona Japanese Civic Association.
Friends of the Future, a Hawaii 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is accepting contributions to the Fund. Checks should be made payable to Friends of the Future, include “Guy Toyama Memorial Fund†in the memo line, and be mailed to:
Friends of the Future
PO Box 2655
Kamuela, HI 96743
Visit www.fofhawaii.org and click on the DONATE link to contribute online using PayPal or a credit card. Include “Guy Toyama Memorial Fund†in the “note to seller†field when you review the PayPal transaction. Requests for additional information can be addressed to info@guytoyamafund.org.
Photo courtesy Simple Solutions for Planet Earth and Humanity.
