By Vanessa Wolf

Merriman’s Filet Mignon. Courtesy image

The Aloha Backpack Buddies Program provides meals to local keiki during the weekend when school is out and they do not have access to free or reduced lunches… or potentially any food at all.

Each child is provided with a special backpack filled with six meals they take home.

During the 2013-2014 school year, 15,000 backpacks were distributed, providing 50,000 meals for kids in need.

This Saturday, Sept. 13, Blue Hawaii — a night of dinner, drinks, live music and a silent auction – is being held at Merriman’s Kapalua.

The event benefits the Maui Food Bank’s Aloha Backpack Buddies program, the only program of its kind on the island.

In addition to the aforementioned live entertainment (Burn’n Love from Darren Lee) and silent auction, guests can expect to be treated to a locally sourced dinner starting with a creative selection of chef prepared pupus.

These are paired with the newly created “Pom Basil Swell” Ocean Vodka cocktail and Maui grown salads.

Entrees (subject to change) include:

• Macadamia Nut Roasted Monchong with Spicy Garlic Broccoli
• Roasted Mushroom Sake Reduction or Filet Mignon with Kula Cauliflower Puree
• Bourbon Braised Carrots
• Slow Roasted Maui Onion
• Wilted Hirabara Swiss Chard
• Marinated Tamimi Cherry Tomatoes

Aloha Backpack Buddies Keiki. Courtesy image

Dessert features signature Maui Gold pineapple and toasted macadamia nut brioche pain perdu with butter Old Lahaina rum sauce and haupia ice cream.

Tickets are $125 per person and seating is limited.

Contact the Maui Food Bank at 808-243-9500 to make your reservations.