Give Back to the Community

In just about three months, members of the General Contractors Association of Hawaii (GCA), the state’s largest construction association, raised $50,077 for the Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC), exceeding its $50,000 fundraising goal.

Each year, GCA’s president selects a nonprofit organization for the membership to support as part of the GCA’s “Give Back to the Community” program. This year’s GCA president, Kaikor Construction Group President & CEO Steve Baginski, chose DVAC because of his personal connection to the nonprofit organization. His wife, Kaleo, a respected construction industry professional, had a sister, just three years older than her, who was stabbed to death by her own husband.

“My kids were close to Kaleo’s sister, who was living in Hawaii at the time. She was their #1 aunty. There is a ripple effect. When someone loses their life, there are so many others who are affected,” Baginski said. “I appreciate the generosity of the GCA members in supporting DVAC.”

DVAC offers a broad range of services for those suffering from domestic violence to include a victim legal helpline call center, legal representation, housing, survivor support groups, education and awareness programs, and culturally specific client services.

“There is a great need for our services. You may not always hear about domestic violence incidents because victims may be ashamed or afraid of speak openly about their experiences,” said Monique Ibarra, DVAC’s CEO. “But based on the growing number of people who require assistance from DVAC, we are filling an important need in our community. We appreciate the generosity of the GCA members. Their support means a lot to those who reach out to DVAC for help.”