American Cancer Society Hosts Gala to Support Hope Lodge Hawai‘i

The American Cancer Society hosts its HopeFest Maui Gala, to be held on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea located at 3900 Wailea Alanui Drive.

The theme this year is “Maui by Moonlight” which will showcase the best of what Maui has to offer.  HopeFest begins with a cocktail reception featuring a special drink by Ocean Vodka and fabulous silent auction items that include hotel stays, fine dining, sunset sails, and more. Attendees will be treated to a gourmet dinner buffet paired with unique handcrafted wine by MauiWine.

“It’s a night you don’t want to miss!” said Joni Celiz, American Cancer Society staff partner. “We’ve got Tony Takitani returning as emcee and auctioneer, as well as Maui’s own five-time Na Hoku Hanohano award winner, Napua Greig, to headline entertainment.”

All net proceeds from HopeFest benefit the Clarence T. Ching Hope Lodge Hawai‘i, a free place to stay for neighbor island cancer patients when their best hope for lifesaving treatment is in Honolulu. Hope Lodge Hawai‘i provides a nurturing, home-like environment where guests can rest in their private rooms or connect with others who understand their struggle.

“We started HopeFest three years ago out of a campaign to build Hope Lodge Hawai‘i,” said Tyson Miyake, HopeFest event co-chair. “Hope Lodge opened last November, and we helped build that. This year, we get to share how Hope Lodge supports our Maui residents and continue to raise funds to keep the place up and running.”

In the first six months of opening, Hope Lodge Hawai‘i has served 158 unique cancer patients, with 54% returning for at least a second stay. The average length of stay is 7 days, but many have stayed several weeks or even months. Hope Lodge Hawai‘i has provided over 2,230 nights of free lodging and saved patients approximately $335,000 in potential costs.

“It’s scary enough to hear those dreaded words ‘you have cancer’ but then to realize that you might have to go to Oahu for treatment, and insurance won’t pay for lodging or meals there,” said Senator Roz Baker, a 41-year cancer survivor and American Cancer Society Hawai‘i Pacific board member. “That’s where Hope Lodge comes in. Cancer patients now have one less expense, one less hassle to worry them.”

“We’re truly making a difference in the lives of cancer patients here in Hawai‘i – we’re standing by our survivors, and saying you’re not alone,” said Raysha Mamala, HopeFest event co-chair. “We invite the whole community to join us at HopeFest to show your support.”

Each year, more than 150 guests attend HopeFest Maui.  Since its inception, the event has raised over $100,000 toward Hope Lodge Hawai‘i.  The American Cancer Society would like to thank its 2017 sponsors: Maui Electric, Hawaiian Electric, and Hawai‘i Electric Light, Roy & Lorraine Okumura Foundation, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Mary Hew, Goodfellow Brothers, Maui Endodontics, Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center, Islands Hospice Maui, Miyake Concrete, Jerry and Gretchen Cook, and Matson.

For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.hopefestmaui.org or contact808.244.5554.

HopeFest Maui “Neon Ball” 2016

Hope Lodge Hawaii located at 251 Vineyard St, Honolulu. All net proceeds from HopeFest Maui benefit Hope Lodge.

Flyer for HopeFest “Maui by Moonlight” 2017

HopeFest event co-chair Tyson Miyake with American Cancer Society Hawaii Pacific board member, Roz Baker