The Hilo Orchid Society presented a $5,542 donation check to Ku’ikahi Mediation Center at the society’s meeting at Wailoa State Park. The funds were raised during the Preview Party of the 61st annual Hilo Orchid Show. Held on Aug. 1
The Hilo Orchid Society presented a $5,542 donation check to Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center at the society’s meeting at Wailoa State Park. The funds were raised during the Preview Party of the 61st annual Hilo Orchid Show. Held on Aug. 1 at Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium, the zero-waste benefit party featured fine wines and beer, catered food, live music and orchid pre-sales.
“We were very fortunate to be the beneficiary of this gala event once again,” said Ku‘ikahi Executive Director Julie Mitchell. “We value our partnerships with community organizations such as the Hilo Orchid Society and are grateful for their continued support. A big mahalo to President Julie Goettsch, show Chair Sheryl Rawson and treasurer Bill Rawson.”
Since 1983, Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center has helped bring about peaceful resolutions to conflicts — first as a program of the Hawaii Island YMCA, and from 2005 as an independent nonprofit organization. Ku‘ikahi is the sole nonprofit mediation center serving East Hawaii, and one of only five in the state.
“These funds will truly make a difference in helping us provide vital conflict resolution services to the community,” Mitchell noted. “Over 50 percent of our clients have annual household incomes of under $20,000. Our mediations are provided on a sliding scale fee schedule, and no one is turned away for lack of funds.” Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center is offering a 28-hour “Basic Mediation Training,” which started Sept. 28. For more information, call 935-7844 or visit www.hawaiimediation.org.
Ku‘ikahi is located in The Hilo Lagoon Centre at 101 Aupuni St., Suite PH 1014 B-2.
