It’s a St. Patrick’s Day tradition: Every year in March, Realtors® Association of Maui (RAM) members clad in green head to Mulligan’s on the Blue to test their luck on the fairways at the annual Aloha BackPack Buddies Bocce Ball Tournament.
The tournament, organized by committee chair Patrick Kilbride and now in its tenth year, benefits the Maui Food Bank’s Aloha BackPack Buddies program which provides backpacks full of healthy weekend meals for keiki and students across 23 schools in Maui County.
Coldwell Banker Island Properties agent Bruce McDonald served as one of the tournament’s referees and the winning team included Anne Diola of Makai Mortgage.
“It’s a fun day and a great way to give back,” said McDonald. “It’s an absolute blast to participate with colleagues united for a good cause.”
Although this year’s event was scaled down due to COVID-19 modifications, the fundraiser was as successful as ever, with donations topping $25,000. To date, the tournament has raised over $130,000.
“I have been participating in this event since it first started ten years ago as both a tournament player and a volunteer who has helped distribute the backpacks to students of Wailuku Elementary,” shared Diola. “It means a lot to me because I have seen how the funds raised are being used for good, it all goes directly back to the kids and community. Children should never have to feel like the only time they are going to get a good meal is while they are in school, and these packs provide more than just breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the weekends, they provide stability for them.”
Food insecurity significantly impacts our island ‘ohana. If you would like to learn more or contribute to the Aloha BackPack Buddies program, visit mauifoodbank.org.
