Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center — in participation with the Hawaii County Bar Association (HCBA) — is hosting the ninth annual Recognition Dinner and Auction in Hilo to help fund the nonprofit human services agency. Founded in 1983 as a program of the Hawaii Island YMCA, Ku‘ikahi became an independent community mediation center in 2005.
Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center — in participation with the Hawaii County Bar Association (HCBA) — is hosting the ninth annual Recognition Dinner and Auction in Hilo to help fund the nonprofit human services agency. Founded in 1983 as a program of the Hawaii Island YMCA, Ku‘ikahi became an independent community mediation center in 2005.
“This year we are recognizing five volunteer mediators — Catherine Lampton, John Petrella, Julio Saenz, Romy Saquing, and Caroline Weber — with ‘Peacemaker Awards’ for all they have done to provide foreclosure mediations in our community,” said Ku‘ikahi President Andrew P. Wilson.
The HBCA is honoring Sandra P. Song for her many years of service as an attorney in Hilo.
No-host cocktails will be served at 5 p.m., with dinner served at 6 p.m. The buffet will feature three entrees— prime rib, furikake salmon, and shrimp scampi over fettuccini, as well as salad, side dishes, and dessert.
Newton Chu will emcee the event, which features a silent auction, live auction, and door prizes. Items up for bid include rounds of golf, adventure tours, entrance to local attractions, overnight stays, gift cards to restaurants and retail stores, artwork, gift baskets, flower arrangements, and more.
“Our annual dinner provides a significant portion of the funds that Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center needs to provide free and low-cost dispute resolution services to the East Hawaii community,” noted Wilson. “Over half of our clients are at or below the poverty level, and many are not able to pay any fees for their mediation sessions.”
Tickets for the annual dinner are $85 per person (of which $50 is tax deductible) and are available from Ku‘ikahi’s board of directors and from Ku‘ikahi’s office in The Hilo Lagoon Centre at 101 Aupuni St., Suite PH 1014 B-2. For reservations, contact Executive Director Julie Mitchell at 935-7844, ext. 116, or email julie@hawaiimediation.org.