Shane Victorino, The Flyin’ Hawaiian, on Moving Forward & Giving Back

In celebration of our 30th anniversary, we’ve compiled a collection of personal stories from our community who have been part of our journey, and who have helped define the spirit of Tommy Bahama. From heartfelt memories to simple reminders to live life like it’s one long weekend, we hope these people inspire you as they’ve inspired us.

It should come as no surprise that Tommy Bahama has a longstanding friendship with Shane Victorino, the Flyin’ Hawaiian himself—we both share a love of island living and all things paradise, from the beaches to the greens. In fact, we’re still proud that Shane chose Tommy Bahama camp shirts to outfit all the groomsmen (and himself!) on his wedding day back in 2009.

Our friendship is woven in more than silk, though. Tommy Bahama has long been the presenting sponsor for the Shane Victorino Foundation’s Celebrity Dinner & Golf Classic, a fantastic event promoting educational, recreational, and wellness programs for underserved youth. When we first made plans to catch up with Shane, we were looking forward to talking about golf and good times but, with the devastating wildfires in Maui still at the forefront of our minds and lives, our conversation naturally turned towards his philanthropic efforts.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE THE MOVE FROM PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL INTO PHILANTHROPY?

SHANE: “I grew up watching my parents and close family and friends volunteer for everything. Not as much financially, because we did not have much, but in person, boots on the ground efforts. Making someone else smile and knowing that I was able to make even one person’s day better through my charitable efforts... it was heartwarming. I always said, maybe one day I will be able to do both, be there in person and also give financially to make real change a reality.”

IS THAT WHY YOU ESTABLISHED THE SHANE VICTORINO FOUNDATION IN 2010?

SHANE: My wife and I were always involved with volunteering in the off season, hosting a few events and partnering with other foundations. It was time for us to start our own. IT MUST BE SO FULFILLING TO BE ABLE TO BE ABLE TO CHANGE LIVES THROUGH YOUR EFFORTS AND YOUR CONNECTIONS. WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE FOUNDATION?

SHANE: I have so many ideas! For now, though, my efforts will focus on helping to rebuild Lahaina and Upcountry after the devastating brushfires in August.

YOU GREW UP IN MAUI, SO WE CAN IMAGINE HOW PERSONAL THAT IS FOR YOU. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR FOLKS WHO ARE VISITING HAWAII, MAYBE FOR THE FIRST TIME?

SHANE: “Now, more than ever…just like you would do for your own home, respect the people and the place. It is truly the most beautiful place in the world, and it always will be if you simply do those two things, all while enjoying time with your family and friends.”

That’s advice that’s easy to follow! We can’t wait to catch up with Shane in Hawaii for the next Shane Victorino Foundation Celebrity Dinner & Golf Classic—until then, if you’d like to learn more about Shane’s important work for underserved youth, you can visit www.shanevictorinofoundation.org.