Whether it is a glamorous gala or silent auction, mark your social calendars for these opportunities to give back in 2024. As we look ahead, we’ve compiled a list of philanthropic fetes to put on your social radar (check the organization’s website for finalized dates).
If you miss a YWCA pop-up shop, visit shopywca.com to help support empowering women. PHOTO COURTESY OF YWCA
SONY OPEN
JANUARY 8-14
Join Sony, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and Friends of Hawai‘i Charities for this PGA Tour event to help 350-plus local nonprofits continue to spread aloha across the island. Waialae Country Club, sonyopeninhawaii.com
JOY OF SAKE
FEBRUARY 23
Celebrate Hawaiʻi’s 150-year love affair with sake at this annual sake celebration that has become the largest in the U.S., featuring 578 sakes with traditional and contemporary sake appetizers from top Hawaiʻi chefs. Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, joyofsake.com/honolulu
PEARL CONVENTION
MARCH 4-8 & 12
Join Adult Friends for Youth at its 11th annual anti-bullying and violence convention, PEARL Week (Peace, Empathy, Acceptance, Respect, and Love). Last year, over 3,000 students across the islands of O‘ahu and Kaua‘i participated to help support AFY’s mission and vision in creating safe schools and communities. The virtual convention runs from March 4-6 and the in-person convention in Kaua‘i is on March 12. afyhawaii.com
OPERA BALL
APRIL 13
The annual Hawai‘i Opera Theatre black-tie event features a cocktail reception, silent auction, gourmet dinner, and dancing and musical performances by HOT artists. With this year’s theme, Under the Big Top!, taking its cue from the winter production Pagliacci, you will not want to miss the cultural event of the spring. Sheraton Waikiki, hawaiiopera.org/opera-ball-2024
Yasmin Dark, Crystal Pancipanci and Kathy Croman (from left) at the Opera Ball. PHOTO: COURTESY OF HAWAI‘I OPERA THEATRE
PINK TIE BALL
MAY 4
Join guests for this glamorous night as they gather to honor breast cancer survivors and supporters and, most importantly, fundraise in support of Susan G. Komen’s mission and its vision of a world without breast cancer. `Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, komen.org/community/hawaii
TEA & CHAMPAGNE
MAY 10
Join the Women’s Fund of Hawai‘i (WFH) for an evening of tea, Champagne, and a delicious dinner at the annual fundraiser. WFH helps keep Hawai‘i’s most vulnerable safe and secure by funding organizations with programs for women and girls, and has activated a Women’s Fund of Hawai‘i to specifically help those affected by the Maui wildfires. Kahala Hotel, womensfundhawaii.org
Make-A-Wish kid Iris gave a stirring dance performance after her wish for a dance studio was granted at the WISH! Gala PHOTO: BY DAVID LIVINGSTON
WISH! GALA
MAY 18
The annual WISH! Gala unites the community while bringing together sponsors, donors, volunteers, and WISH families. One of Hawai‘i’s most memorable and heartfelt events, this evening invites guests to feel and witness firsthand how their support uplifts lives for local children with critical illnesses. Sheraton Waikiki, wish.org/hawaii
HUGS Gala makes a difference for Hawai‘i ‘ohana in need. PHOTO COURTESY OF: HUGS
HUGS GALA
MAY 25
Celebrate our ‘ohana with a gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions, and live entertainment. Funds raised make a difference for Hawai‘i’s families with a child living with a serious illness. Ko’olau Ballrooms, http://hugshawaii.org
HEALING YOUNG HEARTS GALA
Plan to join Kids Hurt Too at its fundraising gala to help provide grieving and traumatized children with a safe space to heal. Until then, all donations made to KHTH, in partnership with the ILWU, will go directly to supporting the ongoing services to the Lāhainā community. kidshurttoo.networkforgood.com
THE HOPE GALA HONOLULU
Plan to attend the annual American Cancer Society’s Hope Gala that raises funds to support Hope Lodge Hawai‘i, a home away from home for cancer patients and caregivers when traveling to O‘ahu for treatment. cancer.org
WOMEN OF DISTINCTION DINNER
The Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i’s annual fundraiser honors three of Hawai‘i’s most prominent female leaders and features both a silent and live auction, presentations by Girl Scout troops and more. gshawaii.org
THE HAWAII CHILDREN’S CANCER FOUNDATION GALA
Dedicated to the children who are battling cancer, to those who have survived and to those who survive in our hearts, all funds stay in Hawai‘i to help families cope with childhood. cancer.hccf.org
MADE IN HAWAI‘ I FESTIVAL
Presented by Mahi Pono at Ala Moana Center, see the state’s longest-running showcase of made-in-Hawai‘i products, including food, books, fashion, handmade crafts, jewelry and more. The 2023 event donated 10% of profits from ticket sales and 100% of profits from Made in Hawaiʻi Festival HiLife T-shirt sales to the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund. madeinhawaiifestival.com
MAUI CALLS
In 2023, MACC refocused with Maui Wildfires Benefits Series fundraising. In 2024, this annual fundraiser hopes to return for an evening of unparalleled arts and culture, plus Maui’s premier food and wine tastings. mauiarts.org
E ULU A PAʻA AUCTION
Mark your calendars for the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum’s annual 13-day online auction supporting the mission, staff, and work of Bishop Museum, the designated Hawaiʻi State Museum of Natural and Cultural History. bishopmuseum.org
HAWAII LINE DANCE FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 13 & 14
This 2-day fundraising event for the Kaua‘i Veterans Center features open line dancing, workshops, performances, food, and lots of fun! hawaiildf.com
14TH HAWAI‘I FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
HAWAI‘I ISLAND: OCTOBER 18-19
MAUI: OCTOBER 25-27
O‘AHU: OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 3
Eighty-four of the nation’s top chefs and culinary masters, joined by dozens of winemakers and mixologists, showcase their talents at HFWF. Known as the premier epicurean event in the Pacific, the festival spotlights Hawai‘i as a culinary destination—promoting local chef talent alongside the diversity of rich agricultural offerings grown and raised on the islands. hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com
ANNUAL PEARL GALA
Ho‘ōla Nā Pua (A New Life for Our Children) is committed to the prevention of sex trafficking and providing care for youth who have been exploited. Join the highly anticipated philanthropic event that includes a red carpet arrival, live entertainment, a multicourse dinner, a live auction, hope-filled testimonials and the Advocacy Awards honoring community champions who are making a difference in the lives of Hawai‘i’s at-risk youth. hoolanapua.org
Kimié Miner performing at the annual Best Buddies in Hawai‘i Friendship Jam PHOTO BY KAT WADE/COURTESY OF BEST BUDDIES HAWAI’I
CHAMPION OF THE YEAR FRIENDSHIP JAM
This annual fundraiser celebrates the philanthropic trailblazers who champion Best Buddies and people with disabilities. Cancelled in 2023 due to the Maui wildfires, the Friendship Jam concert, which features some of Hawai‘i’s most famous performers, will return in 2024. bestbuddies.org/hawaii/champion-gala
HAWAI‘I INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Shining a spotlight on the incredible international achievements in the Asia-Pacific region in film, the Hawai‘i International Film Festival, presented by Halekulani, recognizes new and emerging talent. With films from 40-plus countries, industry panels and career development workshops, HIFF will be a hybrid festival, with in-theater screenings at the Maui Arts & Culture Center in Maui, Waimea Theater in Kaua‘i, The Lana‘i Theater at Hale Keaka in Lana‘i and the Palace Theater in Hilo. hiff.org
Amber Kenui participating in Special Olympics Hawai‘i’s Over the Edge PHOTO COURTESY OF: SPECIAL OLYMPICS HAWAI‘I
OVER THE EDGE
It’s a tall order to rappel 40 stories down a building. However, when Special Olympics Hawai‘i’s 15th Annual fundraiser returns, supporters will do just that to raise funds and awareness. sohawaii.org
WAIKIKI LIGHTS GALA
The annual gala for the Waikīkī Community Center benefits the community as ‘ohana, caring for its keiki and kupuna. waikikicommunitycenter.org
CELEBRATION OF YOUTH
Join Adult Friends for Youth at the 38th Judie Rosen Celebration of Youth fundraiser as it honors very deserving honorees, but most importantly, helps raise much-needed funds to support its mission and vision in creating safe schools and communities. `Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, afyhawaii.com
FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY GALA
Join Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum for its annual gala to honor our veterans of the past, thank the men and women who bravely serve our country today, and inspire future generations. Guests will gather inside the historic World War II hangar on Ford Island’s hallowed grounds for an evening of dining, entertainment and spirited fun. forloveofcountry.org
HE MAKANA O NĀ MELE
Hawai‘i Youth Symphony’s annual fundraising gala, He Makana O Nā Mele: The Gift of Music, is featuring the talents of young musicians and guest artist Amy Hānaiali’i. The online auction opens on November 6 and closes the evening of the gala, with a portion of the event’s proceeds contributing toward Maui relief efforts. Halekulani Hotel Waikiki, hiyouthsymphony.org
From left: Sydney Branch, Catherine Morris and Natalie Riggs at the I’ll Be Seeing You fundraising event for Hawai‘i Opera Theatre. PHOTO COURTESY OF: HAWAI‘I OPERA THEATRE
I’LL BE SEEING YOU
Featuring a revised script from the sold-out Hawai‘i Opera Theatre 2021 production, enjoy a live radio show featuring musical hits of 1940s Jazz, Swing, Big Band, Blues, the Great American Songbook, and the Golden Age of Hawaiian, along with high tea, Champagne, dessert, and a cast meet and greet after the show. hawaiiopera.org
JINGLE ROCK RUN
This annual evening community run or walk benefits Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i, an organization that crusades for the well-being of keiki battling critical illnesses. Join the joyful, family-friendly holiday celebration of the year. Ko Olina Resort, wish.org/hawaii
JOURNEY OF RYSE
Join Residential Youth Services & Empowerment, an organization committed to providing Hawai‘i’s street youth to move beyond homelessness, for an evening of giving. IBM Building at Ward Village, rysehawaii.org
KAMAʻĀINA CHRISTMAS
Enjoy an evening at the Honolulu Museum of Art alongside fellow patrons of the arts with a unique in-gallery dining experience set amid the museum’s phenomenal world-class collection. The evening’s entertainment includes live music, auctions, and a seasonal celebration with museum leaders and the Hawaiʻi art community. honolulumuseum.org/kamaaina-christmas-2023
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Join responsible shoppers who care about their community at the Shop YWCA Dress for Success benefit sale at YWCA O‘ahu. This monthly pop-up sells donated, pre-loved goods at affordable prices, with 100% of the proceeds supporting all YWCA O‘ahu programs supporting local women-owned small businesses and helping create job opportunities. ywcaoahu.org
THE NUTCRACKER
Set in the 1858 Kingdom of Hawai‘i, Ballet Hawai‘i presents this traditional holiday delight infused with island influences. Neal S. Blaisdell Arena, ballethawaii.org
Hawai‘i Youth Symphony students perform in He Makana O Nā Mele: The Gift of Music gala PHOTO COURTESY OF: HAWAI‘I YOUTH SYMPHONY
Photography by: Opener image: KAMA’AINA CHRISTMAS BY DAVE MIYAMOTO PHOTOGRAPHY/COURTESY OF HONOLULU MUSEUM OF ART
