“Celebrate the Joy of Giving” is the theme for the 16th annual fundraiser for Hale Kau Kau, the St. Theresa Parish, Kihei, non-profit meal program for the hungry and homebound of South Maui.
The evening, 4-9 p.m., Feb. 28, in the Aulani Ballroom of the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa, promises a Pacific Rim dinner, live and silent auctions, and entertainment including — because it was a hit last year — dancing to a live six-piece band.
Maui’s Asian Blend will provide island-style and contemporary music for listening and dancing. The auctions will sell travel packages, restaurant certificates and collectibles.
Tickets are $110. Table sponsorships and program advertising are available in a range of prices plus amenities.
For more than 24 years, Hale Kau Kau (House of Meals) has provided warm, nutritious evening meals 365 days a year to the hungry and the homebound elderly, sick and disabled, thanks to volunteers and community support.
In total, Hale Kau Kau provides more than 58,500 meals annually. Each evening the kitchen serves 90 to 130 meals on site and delivers another 85 meals to homes. The need has not diminished.
The program receives support from three other Kihei churches: Kihei Lutheran, Trinity Episcopal and Keolahou Church. Their representatives serve on Hale Kau Kau’s advisory board, and all four churches provide emergency food to people in crisis through the food pantry at Keolahou Church.
“We are all in this together, helping the needy and homebound in our community,” said Msgr. Terrence Watanabe, Hale Kau Kau’s executive director and pastor of St. Theresa Church. “The need for Hale Kau Kau’s meal services has never been greater.”
According to Richard Hoang, Hale Kau Kau’s program director, the annual fundraiser provides about one-third of the program’s budget.
“It’s important that this be a successful event,” he said.
For information and tickets, call 875-8754 or email halekaukau@saint-theresa.com.
