Growing Dreams Fundraiser Returns After Year Hiatus

Plumeria and orchids. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

Growing Dreams, the signature event for Maui Youth & Family Services, takes on a Flora Couture theme, showcasing avant-garde fashion with floral accents.

This year’s event, Flora Couture: Where Floral and Fashion Collide!, features Philadelphia florist Ron Mulray as the guest designer.

The event returns after a one-year hiatus, and will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa, Haleakalā Ballroom.

“We are excited to bring this hugely popular one-of-a-kind of event back to Maui,” said chairperson Teena Rasmussen in a press release.

Rasmussen, who also owns Paradise Flower Farms on Maui, continued, “With some fresh ideas and a revitalized approach, we know that people will be delighted with this year’s presentation.”

Donors have the opportunity to sponsor the creations, while a silent and live auction provide another avenue for individuals to support the long-time Maui social services agency.

“As fun and glamorous as Growing Dreams always is, we want to remember what it’s all about. Ultimately, the show helps MYFS provide crucial services to Maui’s challenged and neglected children such as emergency shelters, therapeutic foster care, mentoring and support,” said Rasmussen.

“Live For Today” painting. Courtesy image.

An original watercolor entitled “Live for Today” by local artist and philanthropist Leslie Granat has been chosen as the symbolic image for this year’s event.

The red hibiscus flower, which blooms for just one day, Granat said, “is a perfect memento because when you are working with troubled youth you have to remind them to take one day at a time so that they can be grateful for each day that they have.”

A limited number of signed prints will be available for purchase at the event, and are also available online prior to and after the event at myfs.org.

Proceeds, officials say, will go towards Maui Youth & Family Services’ fundraising efforts.

Agency officials also noted that the Growing Dreams event will now be held bi-annually.

Tickets are $140, and $165 for VIP, and are available at myfs.org in the Events page of the site.

***Supporting information courtesy Carol Clark.