What is We Rise For Thee: 'Iolani Giving Day?

We Rise for Thee: 'Iolani Giving Day 2025 is a 30-hour event celebrating 'Iolani School. Raiders from all corners of the globe will come together on May 7, 2025 to share their love of 'Iolani, their pride in being part of this incredible community, and to make a gift to support an area of the school that's important to them!

Every gift counts and donors can choose from a variety of programs for their gift!

When does We Rise For Thee take place?

The fun begins at 6 am HST on May 7th and will conclude at noon HST on May 8th. Our early giving period begins on April 30th.

Who can participate?

We invite everyone in the 'Iolani School community - alumni, parents, faculty and staff, grandparents, and friends - to join us in supporting the school for this momentous occasion. Together, we can all rise to provide important resources for 'Iolani's students, faculty, and programs!

Can I direct my gift to a specific program?

Yes! Any gift designated to any program at the school counts, so you can support the area of the school that means the most to you! On this site, we have featured several important programs at the school, but if you'd like to support an area that is not featured, simply click "other" on the giving form and indicate where you'd like to direct your donation.

Can I make a multiyear pledge?

Yes, you can make a five-year pledge to join the 'Io Society, our leadership group for annual giving. Members make a five-year pledge of $1,000 or more annually, which can be fulfilled with monthly, quarterly, or annual gifts. For more information on the 'Io Society, please click here. The total amount of your 'Io Society pledge will count toward our giving day total. So, if you pledge $1,000 annually for five-years, the entire pledge of $5,000 will be added to our tally!

I am a graduate and current parent. Do I need to make multiple gifts to be counted on the alumni and parent leaderboards?

No, as long as you indicate on your giving form your affiliation to the school and the class years you represent as both an alumnus/a and a current parent, your gift will be credited to all of those classes. Your total gift amount will only be counted once in our overall totals.

Is there a minimum or maximum amount I can give?

No, We Rise For Thee is a true One Team effort! Every gift at every amount counts toward our goal of 5,555 gifts! In fact, the power of your gift will be amplified by a number of challenges that unlock large donations when we receive a specific number of gifts. So, making a gift of any size will help 'Iolani unlock significant gifts from other generous donors.

What if I've already given this year?

We are so grateful for your support this year! If you are able to make an additional gift of any amount on our special giving day, it would be much appreciated. Thanks to the generosity of donors offering matching gifts and challenges, your gift on May 7th or 8th will help us unlock other large donations that will benefit the school immensely.

Can I give early?

Yes, you can. Our early giving period starts on April 30th. On that day, the site will be completely live and you can make your gift via the online form.

Can I make a gift by phone or mail?

Yes, you can. If you'd like to make a gift by phone on May 7th, please call the 'Iolani Advancement Office at 808-943-2320. If you would like to mail in a check, please make the check payable to 'Iolani School and mail to:

'Iolani School Advancement Office
Attn: We Rise For Thee
563 Kamoku St
Honolulu, HI 96826

Make sure that you indicate on the check that you would like the gift counted toward giving day.

Is my gift tax deductible?

Yes, your gift is tax deductible. Upon making your gift, you will receive an email confirmation that will serve as your receipt for tax purposes.

Are there other ways I can help?

Absolutely! We have an ambitious goal to raise 5,555 gifts in 30 hours. So, you can help by encouraging other Raiders to make a gift. Check out the Spread the Word tab to find tools that can help you inspire others to participate.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

Please contact Mike Moses '93, Director of the Annual Fund at 808-943-2320 or mmoses@iolani.org.

We Rise For Thee FAQs