Support Maui dentists affected by wildfires
Hawaii Dental Association Foundation establishes disaster relief fund to aid affected dentists
In the wake of the wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, the Hawaii Dental Association Foundation, with support from the Hawaii Dental Association, established a special Disaster Relief Fund to provide immediate support for dentists who have been affected by the disaster.
“No one could have anticipated the magnitude of the destruction that the Maui fires have caused,” wrote Hawaii Dental Association President Norman S. Chun, D.M.D., in a letter to ADA President George R. Shepley, D.D.S. “Dentists on Maui, and specifically in Lahaina, were the greatest affected.”
Immediately after the disaster, he noted, the Hawaii Dental Association Foundation created a disaster relief fund for Hawaii licensed dentists, with priority for ADA members who have been directly impacted. The HDA donated $50,000 in seed money “which has been steadily growing from donations from private sources and friends and colleagues nationwide.”
Those who would like to donate to help affected dentists are encouraged to send checks payable to Hawaii Dental Association Foundation. Note in the memo line that the donation is for the Disaster Relief Fund. Checks should be mailed to 500 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite 7-411, Honolulu, HI 96813. Donations will be used as needed to provide immediate support to dentists who were affected by the Maui wildfires, and the new fund will remain in place to provide relief for any future disasters.
“We appreciate the offers to provide volunteer support and materials/supplies,” said Executive Director Kim Nguyen; “As our Maui colleagues continue to assess the situation and set up necessary systems, we will share out any opportunities at their request. We are all so grateful for the outpouring of Aloha. We stand strong with Maui in their road to recovery.”
The HDAF is a tax-exempt, public charity as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, Ms. Nguyen added, which allows donations to be tax deductible. The Foundation’s tax ID number is 81-3947506.
