#KEEPHAWAIICOOKING SERVES UP ITS NEXT COURSE TO PAY IT FORWARD

HONOLULU, HI | April 22, 2020 – As a follow-up to the #KeepHawaiiCooking program that launched last month, Central Pacific Bank Foundation announces its next phase dubbed Mahalo Meals. Every week, the CPB Foundation will deliver sponsored meals to 10 frontline heroes and the entire team they work with, as a simple showing of gratitude for working 24/7 to keep Hawaii communities safe and healthy.

The Mahalo Meals phase of #KeepHawaiiCooking continues on Instagram, with social media followers having a chance to be part of the giving and to recognize a friend in one of these frontline industries. Sound appetizing? Here’s how it works:

• Be sure to follow @KeepHawaiiCooking on Instagram.
• Each week, participants have a chance to tag and nominate a friend who is a first responder (police, fire, ambulance) or hospital worker in Hawaii.
• The winning first responder / hospital worker will receive thirty (30) takeout meals for their entire department.
• The winning nominator (the person who tagged their friend) will receive a $50 gift card to a Hawaii restaurant.
• 10 winners will be selected each week.

Helping Hawaii restaurant owners and employees stay afloat during these challenging times is still a key part of the program. Each week, the CPB Foundation will ask its restaurant partners to prepare nutritious takeout meals for 30, funded by a grant from the CPB Foundation. #KeepHawaiiCooking will kick-off Mahalo Meals on Wednesday, April 22, and end on May 29, 2020. Visit keephawaiicooking.com for official rules and instructions.

"I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who participated and is continuing to make #KeepHawaiiCooking a huge success," said Catherine Ngo, Central Pacific Bank President. "We hope to continue the momentum as we shine a spotlight on those who put themselves at risk on the frontlines of this public health crisis—for the safety of all of us.”

#KeepHawaiiCooking, which launched on Friday, March 27, reached its Phase I goal to reimburse a total of $100,000 for takeout, drive-thru, and home delivered meals from participating restaurants in just 3 days. The campaign was extended to allow for even more participation, by committing to a Phase II goal of 10,000 meals, totaling more than $300,000 in donations. That goal was reached by Wednesday, April 1st.

“I’m excited as we once again come together as a community to continue to pay it forward as we creatively and thoughtfully recognize Hawaii’s first responders and caregivers,” said Kevin Dahlstrom, Central Pacific Bank Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. 

About #KeepHawaiiCooking

#KeepHawaiiCooking is an initiative powered by the Central Pacific Bank Foundation. The program aims to help residents in our community stretch their food dollars further and is also rooted in a commitment to supporting small businesses in Hawaii, especially hard-hit restaurants to not only survive but more importantly thrive again once we get through the coronavirus crisis. For everything you need to know about #KeepHawaiiCooking, visit the program’s website at www.keephawaiicooking.com.