Members of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii presented a check for $10,000 to Hawaii Community College during a mahalo luncheon Feb. 28 at the campus’ Bamboo Hale.
The luncheon meal was prepared by HCC culinary arts students.
The generous donation was made using proceeds from the 19th annual A Taste of Hilo that took place in October 2017.
“It has been an honor to be part of this Hilo tradition for 19 years,” said HCC Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas. “Not only do our students benefit from the proceeds of A Taste of Hilo, but they also gain experience by working with the vendors and organizers during the event.
The donation continues JCCIH’s long tradition of supporting the community college. Since the fund was created with the University of Hawaii Foundation in 1999, JCCIH has donated $136,516.
This allows HCC to provide student scholarships, program improvements, collegewide benefits and faculty and staff development opportunities.
A Taste of Hilo has become an East Hawaii tradition that showcases dozens of the island’s tastemakers and beverage purveyors each year. Attendees enjoy sweet and savory delights created by chefs, restaurants and patisseries, and sample locally crafted beer, wine and sake. Each year, a different local ingredient is featured.