Steve Case, the Hawaiian-born AOL co-founder and Revolution LLC CEO, has announced he is making a $1 million contribution to support communities affected by the wildfires on Maui.
Case’s donation is being made by the Grove Farm Foundation, the philanthropic arm of his Kaua’i-based Grove Farm. The funds will be divided between the Hawaii Community Foundation, World Central Kitchen, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
In addition, Maui Land & Pineapple (NYSE: MLP), the property development and management company where Case is the majority investor, announced it will be working to provide support to Maui’s rebuilding efforts – the company has already turned its Kapalua resort into a distribution center to get water, food, and clothes to affected families, and has also taken steps to ensure water continues to flow in the region.
“The destruction and loss on Maui is devastating to watch, and the impact on communities such as Lahaina is tragic,” said Case. “This iconic, historic town represents the best of the culture, natural beauty and warm Aloha spirit that has come to define Hawaii. My heart and prayers go out to all of those impacted across Maui by these horrific events.”
As of this morning, the death toll from the wildfires climbed to 96, although authorities fear the number will rise as recovery efforts get underway in the fire-damaged communities. More than 1,800 homes and structures were destroyed by the fires and thousands of people are now in emergency shelters. A class-action lawsuit was filed against Hawaiian utility companies alleging that their downed power lines were responsible for starting the fires, an official finding on the cause of the fire has not been determined.
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