Hawai‘i Community Foundation
Professional Advisors

 

FALL 2021

PA Awardee Gayle S. Tasaka, CPA

Advisor Highlight: Making a Difference, Together

Even when a problem feels overwhelming, individuals can make a difference by working together.

CPA Gayle Tasaka experienced that firsthand when she volunteered to make protective face shields in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Working with the Hawai‘i Cyber Lions Group, she was able to make enough masks to donate to medical workers and combat the PPE shortage.

“It’s amazing to see what can be done when everyone is moving together in the same direction,” she said.

Gayle brings that spirit of collaboration and unity to her business as a CPA assisting Hawaii taxpayers, estates, and trusts with tax issues.

Gayle was honored as a 2021 Professional Advisor Awardee at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Professional Advisors in Philanthropy Celebration on Nov. 5. She has served as a resource to the professional advisor community in Hawai‘i by encouraging ways to include charitable giving as part of the conversation.

She often works with clients who want to give but don’t think they have enough money to make an impact. “Helping clients to understand their options and show them that their involvement does make a difference is always enjoyable,” she says. “When they see that their contributions are making a real difference, they’re surprised and motivated to do more.”

As part of her award, Gayle received a $2,000 grant to donate to the charity of her choice. She selected Hawai‘i Literacy to receive the gift.

Even though the pandemic continues to be a challenge, Gayle is inspired to see how people have adjusted. “I think it’s an example of how working together can result in great things that perhaps had not been envisioned or expected,” she says.