Hyatt golf classic beneficiaries receive $60K

Hyatt Regency Saipan’s 21st Annual Charity Golf Classic raised $60,000 that went to six groups. The checks were presented yesterday at Hyatt’s Giovanni’s Restaurant. (Kimberly A. Bautista)

Hyatt Regency Saipan’s 21st Annual Charity Golf Classic raised $60,000 that went to six groups. The checks were presented yesterday at Hyatt’s Giovanni’s Restaurant.

For the past 20 years, Hyatt has hosted the annual golf classic in order to raise funds that will be donated to its primary beneficiary, the Make-a-Wish Foundation and another beneficiary of their choice. This year, Hyatt chose six beneficiaries, including their primary beneficiary.

According to Hyatt Marketing and Communications manager Maria Valentina Haberman in an earlier interview, for the few remaining years of Hyatt’s lease, it will push to help the community even more, starting with benefitting more organizations.

This year’s golf classic raised $60,000, which is $10,000 more than was raised last year.

Of that amount, $15,000 went to Hyatt’s primary beneficiary and $9,000 was allotted for each of the other five beneficiaries. Only five beneficiaries were present for the awarding of the checks. The last beneficiary will be awarded at a separate time.

As Hyatt’s primary beneficiary for 20 years, Make-a-Wish Foundation received $15,000.

According to board member Kanae Quinn, the donation will go straight to funding the wishes that the foundation receives. Most of the wishes require a lot of financial support.

One of the beneficiaries chosen this year was the Northern Marianas Humanities Council. According to Haberman, the hotel chose to sponsor the organization’s cause because it protects the indigenous culture of the Commonwealth.

Council vice chair Brady Hammond said the donation will be used to carry out the council’s ongoing programs like junior mock trial, poetry competitions, humanities film festivals, and many more.

Another beneficiary, the Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation, will use a portion of the donation to fund the organization’s first summer program. According organization chair Rose Smith, the foundation aims to assist vulnerable widows and children.

According to Marianas Behavioral Health International office manager Doreen Kintol, the donation will fund the organization’s upcoming projects.

Another beneficiary, Karidat Social Services, will use the donation to fund the programs that Karidat offers and will also fund supplies needed to help the homeless in the Commonwealth.