Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center — together with the Hawaii County Bar Association — invites the public to its 14th annual Recognition Dinner and Auction on Sunday, Nov. 10, at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo.
This year, Ku‘ikahi is giving the Peacemaker Award to entrepreneur Tonya Ozone, who contributes to several nonprofit boards and committees. The HCBA is honoring Chief Judge Greg K. Nakamura of the 3rd Circuit Court.
The evening kicks off with no-host cocktails, pupus and live music at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The buffet features carved roast prime rib, chicken Marbella and macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi. Also served will be vegetarian/vegan dishes of Waiakea garden salad, vegetable rice pilaf, grilled vegetable ratatouille and mashed kabocha squash, plus dessert and fruit punch, iced tea and coffee.
Lincoln Ashida and Jeri Gertz will emcee the gala event.
Items up for bid in the silent and live auctions include gift certificates for rounds of golf, outdoor excursions, overnight stays and dining experiences; artwork and gift baskets; fine wines; orchids; and much more. Featured in the live auction is a red, convertible 1952 MG TD classic car, which is available for viewing at Aiona Car Sales.
Founded in 1983, Ku‘ikahi has been “Finding Solutions, Growing Peace” for 36 years. This fundraiser provides a significant portion of the funds the mediation center needs to provide free and low-cost dispute prevention and resolution services in East Hawaii.
“Our mission is to empower people to come together — to talk and to listen, to explore options and to find their own best solutions,” said Ku‘ikahi president Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter. “Your presence at our dinner helps make this mission a reality.”
Tickets are $95 per person, of which $45 is tax deductible, and are available from Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center in the Hilo Lagoon Centre, Day-Lum Rentals and The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo.
To purchase tickets, tables and sponsorships online, visit http:// hawaiimediation.org/event/dinner/. Tickets also can be purchased by contacting Erika at 935-7844, ext. 1, or erika@hawaiimediation.org.