Name: John C. Baldwin
Age: 58
Education: Arizona State University
Occupation: President, HST Inc.
Hobbies: Banjo picking

Baldwin says asking people for help and donations isn't easy if you're not giving your share.

"The only way you can ask for money is to get involved and to give your own money," said Baldwin, who lives with his wife, Debby, in Makawao, Maui. "Somebody's got to do it. Yeah, I enjoy it."

That philosophy won him the Outstanding Philanthropist award from the Aloha Chapter of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives.

Baldwin was nominated for the honor by Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center on Maui for his work in restoring the historic Kaluanui Estate.

He also serves on the boards of the Contemporary Arts Museum, Seabury Hall, Hale Makua and the Hawaiian Mission Children's Society.

Baldwin is a fifth generation Maui resident, and philanthropy runs in the family. When he was a child he attended Maui's Henry Perrine Baldwin High School, named after his great-grandfather, who donated the land where it's built.

One of Baldwin's more memorable fund-raising acts was opening Willie Nelson's concert last August on Maui to raise money for elderly citizens.

Baldwin and a few friends formed a group called the Turpentine Cats five years ago, playing a mixed bag of music. He never dreamed then that he would be the opening act for such a big star.

Baldwin, inspired by the Kingston Trio, has been picking the banjo for 40 years.

"It's just a back-porch deal. No pressure."