Charitable giving is an important thread that ties a community together and strengthens individual spirits. In 2016, National Philanthropic Trust reported that Americans gave $389.05 billion and corporations gave $18.55 billion that year.

Danny Graham, founder of Graham Builders, has upheld a steadfast conviction to support local charities through monetary donations and voluntarism, as a company and by individual employees. As Christmas approaches, Danny and the Graham Builders team are excited to once again give to the Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation (HCCF).

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“My father instilled in me the importance of giving back to the community,” said vice president of operations Ryan Graham. “He’s always been a very generous person who (thinks) of others before himself.”

Helping families deal with cancer is a cause that touches the hearts of the Graham family. Graham Builders has organized and hosted the HCCF annual Christmas Party for the past 18 years and has given monetary donations to the organization since 2008. Graham Builders’ staff also collect and wrap toys for the children and all their siblings, surprising the keiki with a visit from Santa.

“A family close to ours lost a child to cancer and that’s how we first learned about the Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation,” explained Graham. “People don’t realize that the entire family suffers when a child gets sick, and cancer treatment costs can be well over 50 percent of the family’s income.”

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The homegrown foundation was formed in 1991 by a group of parents of children with cancer. As a local charity, Graham explained, “Ninety percent of donations stay here in Hawaii to help the families. We decided to focus on giving 100 percent to HCCF.”

In addition to monetary donations to HCCF and hosting its annual holiday party, Graham Builders has also built and donated furniture to Manoa Elementary School and Kalani High School; given free workshops to women educators; and taught construction career classes at McKinley High School. Graham Builders’

employees individually give back to organizations ranging from the Hawaii Foodbank and the Hawaiian Humane Society, to international organizations that help children in Indonesia.

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“Overall, giving back is a positive feeling and you gain a new perspective and appreciate life a little more,” said Graham. “It feels good to make a difference and to help others less fortunate than we are.”

Graham Builders also hosts a free monthly educational seminar on multigenerational building and design. You are invited to join the company at its upcoming Building Your Home For Life seminar on Saturday, Jan. 6 from 9-11 a.m. at the Honolulu Country Club. Educate yourself about the design and build process by registering today at GrahamBuilders. com or call 593-2808 to reserve your spot.

GRAHAM BUILDERS
contact // 593-2808
web // grahambuilders.com