Maui-based philanthropist Ed Freedman of Stable Road Foundation joined dozens of the island’s community leaders in celebrating the opening of the new Sacred Hearts school for the 2024-2025 school year.

Freedman, whose foundation donated $250,000 toward the construction of the new long-term temporary facilities, was among the Maui leaders invited to speak at the event, which was held on August 2 at the new Kā’anapali campus. Other notable guests included Mayor Richard Bissen, Sacred Hearts principal Tonata Lolesio, Michael Capponi, CEO of Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), and Roger May of Pineapple Properties.

“At Stable Road Foundation, we believe that every child deserves a chance to achieve their fullest potential,” said Freedman, founder of Stable Road Foundation. “So much of our work is aimed at ensuring a great education for the keiki of Maui, and we’re incredibly proud to team up with Sacred Hearts and dedicated on-the-ground partners like Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) to create this beautiful new campus for our community.”

Sacred Hearts’ new Kā’anapali campus will serve 225 students in grades pre-K through 12. Featuring 11 air-conditioned classrooms in three buildings, the campus also includes a basketball court, outdoor dining areas, administration facilities, restroom trailers with air conditioning, and other amenities.

The original Sacred Hearts School campus was heavily damaged by the summer 2023 wildfires that swept through Maui, damaging much of the island’s infrastructure. While awaiting the completion of the new campus, students had been studying at the Sacred Hearts Mission Church in Kapalua.

Founded by Freedman in 2017, Stable Road Foundation is dedicated to serving the people of Maui by providing educational and recreational opportunities for the island’s children. In addition to the Sacred Hearts School construction program, the Foundation has also donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and supplies to help local communities recover from last year’s devastating wildfires.

Those who also wish to aid the recovery efforts can contribute to Stable Road Foundation’s Help Maui Rebuild fund.

Pisano Slater Enterprises, nick@pisanoslater.com