HONOLULU – HUGS, a local non-profit that services Hawaii’s seriously ill children and their families, held its annual fundraiser, the HUGS Love Gala on Saturday, May 3 at Pomaika’i Ballrooms at Dole Cannery in Iwilei. HUGS would like to extend a huge mahalo to those who made the event such a great success. The event generated more than $180,000 that will be used to offer HUGS wide range of programs helping families with seriously ill children.
The 400 guests who attended were treated to an emotionally touching evening. Two HUGS moms, Catha Combs and Lauri Madanay, who also happen to be best friends, shared their HUGS stories together on stage. Their two families met through HUGS and have grown extremely close over the past 15 years.
These two ladies and their families are a perfect example of what the HUGS Ohana is all about, facilitating long-term relationships. Guests also enjoyed a gourmet dinner buffet, fine wines, as well as a silent and live auction featuring more than 100 auction items. The hot-ticket item at this year’s auction was a collection of fine wines and a wine fridge donated by HUGS Board Members.
The Locations Foundation and The Boy Scouts of America Aloha Council, Kapiolani District were honored for their years of dedication and support of HUGS.
The Locations Foundation is made up of Prudential Locations’ Realtors and employees was awarded the HUGS Corporate Philanthropy Award. For the past 10 years The Locations Foundation has helped HUGS put on their annual Celebration of Life event recognizing those in the HUGS family that were lost that year.
Not only does The Locations Foundation donate a large sum of money to put the event on but they also come out and volunteer the day of the event. Dan Taboriof The Locations Foundation accepted the award on behalf of his organization.
The Boy Scouts of America Aloha Council, Kapiolani District received the Tommy Holmes Award for their years of facility and beautification projects at the HUGS Center. Over the past 9 years Eagle Scouts from the Boy Scouts of America Aloha Council, Kapiolani District have donated time and equipment making sure the HUGS Center is welcoming and functional.
For more information on HUGS, the HUGS Love Gala, or how to get involved please contact HUGS at info@hugslove.org.
HUGS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides services to families in the state of Hawaii with children ages birth to 21 diagnosed with serious or life threatening illnesses. HUGS strives to help families preserve their quality of life through programs that address the emotional, social, physical and financial needs of families it serves.