Since its inception 30 years ago, Kapolei-based concrete contracting company Foundations Hawaii has lived up to its name, laying lasting foundations for apartments, businesses, hotels, and other major projects across the state. In addition to paving the way for the vital spaces where local families live and work, the company has also spent over half of its history constructing something less tangible but just as enduring: hope. A longtime partner of Make-A-Wish Hawaii, Foundations Hawaii President Kevin Pena and his team have generously donated hundreds of thousands of dollars toward granting life-changing wishes for Hawaii children fighting critical illnesses. 

Pena first encountered Make-A-Wish Hawaii when a close friend’s daughter received a wish during her fight with leukemia. Pena recalls how witnessing the “magic that let her step away from her illness” encouraged him to get involved. One of his most memorable moments with the organization came shortly after, when he met 11-year-old wish kid Skylar, who wished to give the gift of sun protection through her creation of HiSky, a fashionable hat company. Navigating three critical diagnoses that required her to prioritize sun protection, Skylar turned her doctors’ orders into an opportunity to educate and empower others.  

Inspired by these strong keiki, Pena joined the board of directors and has been dedicated to transforming lives through the power of a wish ever since. 

Beyond his service on the board, Pena and his team at Foundations Hawaii have supported Make-A-Wish Hawaii in myriad ways, from generous individual gifts to event sponsorships and company matches. The team has been a mainstay of annual events like the Swing for Wishes golf tournament and WISH! Gala, raising critical funds on the green and in the ballroom to grant the wishes of keiki like 6-year-old Kiryn, whose wish to go to Walt Disney World^® sparked joy and strength as she faced the challenges of a nervous system disorder.

For Pena, teamwork—whether in creating lasting structures or life-changing wishes—is essential: “While one person can make a difference, an entire team can have that much more of an impact.”  

His team’s continued commitment to our mission earned the company the title of Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s 2024 Corporate Partner of the Year. And at this year’s WISH! In the Wild gala, they generously went on to match $25,000 in donations during Fund-A-Wish, a live auction that goes toward funding waiting wishes, while Pena personally drove a bidding war in efforts to be the last donor to give.   

“I’m always up for a challenge! When I looked around and saw those same paddles going up and numbers being called, I knew it was on, and I did not want to be outdone,” he says. “More importantly, I saw the opportunity to raise money for such a purposeful cause. It feels good to know that I can help put a smile on a child’s face, let them forget about their illness, and just be a child.” 

Mahalo nui loa to Kevin Pena and Foundations Hawaii for laying the groundwork for more transformative wishes across the islands.

To learn about corporate partnership opportunities and other ways to get involved, please contact Senior Manager of Corporate Philanthropy and Partnerships Arden Salassa at asalassa@hawaii.wish.org.