Back by popular request, the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii will host its second Mai Tai Masquerade fundraiser from 5:30-10 p.m. Oct. 26 at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo.
“Our inaugural Mai Tai Masquerade was a huge hit — filled with fun from competing celebrity bartenders to great food, music and dancing,” said Stephanie Oshiro, FCJCEH President.
Proceeds from this fun-filled evening of mai tais, pupus and entertainment will support the nonprofit Friends group, which was formed in 1990 to meet the needs of abused and neglected children in East Hawaii. The Mai Tai Masquerade will benefit the Friends’ Special Needs and Enhancement Program, which provides items and services for abused and neglected children in the East Hawaii community.
With the help of community partner donations, the Friends are able to provide these children with clothing, hygiene items, educational tools, extracurricular activities and other goods or services that can actively enhance the lives of abused children.
This year, the celebrity bartenders are Ryan Kadota of Kadota Liquor, Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth and the returning champion, Bill Wilson, an account executive of Dealer Assurance Group. Each celebrity bartender will vie for the most tips, and the winner will be crowned the 2019 Celebrity Bartender Champion. Roth and Kadota will be looking to dethrone Wilson.
All tips will be added to the proceeds for the event.
“Come support the Friends and make our community a safer and healthier place,” urged this year’s celebrity bartenders.
The evening will feature heavy pupus and desserts, dancing and a silent auction. In addition, the Drama Department students from the University of Hawaii at Hilo will entertain guests throughout the gardens with clever and surprising vignettes.
Tickets are $60 in advance, $65 at the door, and include two complimentary mai tais served by the celebrity bartenders. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume, but costumes are not required.
To purchase tickets, sponsor a table or make a donation, visit www.fcjcEastHawaii.org.
Nani Mau Gardens is located at 421 Makalika St.
For questions or additional information, call 935-8755.
