The Hilo Orchid Society’s benefit Preview Party, which kicked off the 60th Annual Hilo Orchid Show and Sale, raised $5,360 for Ku’ikahi Mediation Center (KMC). The Hilo Orchid Society’s benefit Preview Party, which kicked off the 60th Annual Hilo Orchid
The Hilo Orchid Society’s benefit Preview Party, which kicked off the 60th Annual Hilo Orchid Show and Sale, raised $5,360 for Ku’ikahi Mediation Center (KMC).
The Hilo Orchid Society’s benefit Preview Party, which kicked off the 60th Annual Hilo Orchid Show and Sale, raised $5,360 for Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center (KMC).
Held on Aug. 2 at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium, the benefit featured wine and beer tasting, catered food, live music and orchid pre-sales.
“We were so grateful to be the beneficiary of this event for the second year in a row,” said KMC Executive Director Julie Mitchell. “In these difficult economic times, partnerships between organizations are essential. These funds will truly make a difference in helping us provide much-needed human services.
“KMC offers a big mahalo to the Hilo Orchid Society, especially president Julie Goettsch and show chair Sandra Song. Mahalos to Kona Brewing Co., AJ & Sons Catering, Island Naturals, Hilo Coffee Mill, Sustainable Island Products, Kui & I Florist and Hawaii Printing Corp,” said Mitchell. “Thanks also, to James McCully, Rene Ahu, Boni Norito, Leafy Hao, Danny Robinson and all the volunteers who helped make the Preview Party possible.
“Since 1983, Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center has helped to bring about peaceful resolutions to conflicts in our community — first as a program of the Hawaii Island YMCA, and from 2005 as an independent nonprofit organization,” she said. “Ku‘ikahi is the sole nonprofit mediation center serving East Hawaii, and one of only five in the state.
“Our agency provides a vital service to the community, especially in the areas of domestic and foreclosure mediations,” Mitchell stated. “Over 50 percent of our clients have annual household incomes of under $20,000. Our services are provided on a sliding scale fee schedule, and no one is turned away for lack of funds.”
Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center is offering a 28-hour “Basic Mediation Training” starting Saturday, Sept. 29. For more information, call 935-7844 or visit www.kmchilo.com.
