Charity dinner raises $50K for mediation center

From left to right: Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center President Shaunda Liu Makaimoku, state Sen. Tim Richards, Peacemaker Award recipient Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter, Meritorious Service Award recipient Judge M. Kanani Laubach, Hawaii County Bar Association President William B. Heflin and retired Judge Ronald Ibarra.
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At the 2024 Annual Recognition Dinner &Auction on Nov. 17, Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter was awarded the “Peacemaker Award” by Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center, and Judge M. Kanani Laubach was awarded the “Meritorious Service Award” by the Hawaii County Bar Association.

“What a great evening celebrating two very deserving wahine,” Ku‘kahi Executive Director Julie Mitchell said in a press release. “Mahalo to all who contributed of their time, talents and treasures to make this fundraiser the most successful ever!”

The event raised $50,000 for the center.

“We truly appreciate our honorees, sponsors, ticket buyers, auction bidders, guests, cash and in-kind event donors, auction donors, emcee, introducers, musician, sound operator, special event committee, event volunteers, board and staff,” Mitchell said.

The annual dinner and auction provides a significant portion of the funds that Ku‘ikahi needs to provide free and low-cost dispute prevention and resolution services in East Hawaii and beyond.

To make a year-end charitable gift to support this local non-profit community mediation center, please visit: https://hawaiimediation.org/donate/.