FIRST VICE CHAIR, Peter Shaindlin
Lawrance S. Rockefeller once said to me that 'power - real power, is the ability for one to give away money to help others.' I think this serves as a superb definition and model for effective altruism in the business sector, anywhere. With this spirit, Halekulani Corporation continues unwavered in its long-term commitment to the arts and culture of Hawaii.
Obviously there are so many additional important causes that also require support in our community, such as healthcare, research, education, poverty and the like, and hundreds of fine Hawaii-based businesses make the critical difference in each of these areas year in and year out, for which we are all grateful. Yet at times I can't help but contemplate that, if just a few more businesses here with strong financial wherewithal would 'step on to the stage,' our beloved symphony would be prospering in a very short time, and for a very long time.
Supporting the Honolulu Symphony is not just about helping - it's frankly more about seizing on the thrilling opportunity to enhance the arts in Hawaii, proactively!
Now here's the best part of all: nothing can match the excitement of an orchestra seat when the artists you have endorsed explode into the vigorous final notes of a major symphony, or when you are whisked to the green room after standing ovations to chat one-on-one in a dressing room with a major international star, still pumped from the rush of delivering a dazzling encore just moments before.
I feel proud when during intermission over a glass of wine and exquisite local pupu, I am approached by curious business people who want to know how they too can share in the excitement.
But most of all, as the lawn fills with ecstatic concertgoers spilling out from the hall on a cool Honolulu evening following the concert experience, I see the eyes of the children sparkling as they digest the burst of magic they just received with the expression of a person swallowing something truly sweet, yet far more sumptuous and memorable than they could have possibly imagined. And then I wonder: will other businesses also step up to ensure that these young and vibrant future citizens continue to reap the joys and benefits of this uniquely enriching institution, far into the future?
I appeal to all of the business community in Hawaii to ensure that the answer is a powerful, resounding 'Yes!'
Obviously there are so many additional important causes that also require support in our community, such as healthcare, research, education, poverty and the like, and hundreds of fine Hawaii-based businesses make the critical difference in each of these areas year in and year out, for which we are all grateful. Yet at times I can't help but contemplate that, if just a few more businesses here with strong financial wherewithal would 'step on to the stage,' our beloved symphony would be prospering in a very short time, and for a very long time.
Supporting the Honolulu Symphony is not just about helping - it's frankly more about seizing on the thrilling opportunity to enhance the arts in Hawaii, proactively!
Now here's the best part of all: nothing can match the excitement of an orchestra seat when the artists you have endorsed explode into the vigorous final notes of a major symphony, or when you are whisked to the green room after standing ovations to chat one-on-one in a dressing room with a major international star, still pumped from the rush of delivering a dazzling encore just moments before.
I feel proud when during intermission over a glass of wine and exquisite local pupu, I am approached by curious business people who want to know how they too can share in the excitement.
But most of all, as the lawn fills with ecstatic concertgoers spilling out from the hall on a cool Honolulu evening following the concert experience, I see the eyes of the children sparkling as they digest the burst of magic they just received with the expression of a person swallowing something truly sweet, yet far more sumptuous and memorable than they could have possibly imagined. And then I wonder: will other businesses also step up to ensure that these young and vibrant future citizens continue to reap the joys and benefits of this uniquely enriching institution, far into the future?
I appeal to all of the business community in Hawaii to ensure that the answer is a powerful, resounding 'Yes!'
