Festival awards $8K to three beneficiaries

Displaying beneficiary checks with Kona Cacao Association President Farsheed Bonakdar (second from left) are from left Candee Ellsworth of the Keahole Center for Sustainability, BICF Volunteer Coordinator Arliss Dudley-Cash for Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture, and Dana Mattos of Kona Dance and Performing Arts.

KAILUA-KONA — Proceeds totaling $8,000 from the 2023 Big Island Chocolate Festival were awarded to three educational organizations at the event’s recent volunteer appreciation celebration at Magics Beach Grill.