Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival presents a record level of donations to local nonprofit groups.

The 2015 Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival has presented checks totaling $350,000 to 16 local nonprofits, representing a record level of giving for one year.  Total donations over the last five years have reached $1.3 million.  Maui Culinary Academy, Imua Family Services and Maui County Farm Bureau were among the nonprofits who received donations.

More than 7,500 residents and visitors attended the 2015 Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival, which spanned two weeks in August and September on Maui, Hawaiʻi Island and O‘ahu.

The lineup included 101 guest chefs, four master sommeliers, 40 top-tier winemakers and 17 mixologists.  More than 40 farmers across the state took part and donated products for chefs to use in their innovative dishes.

The fifth-annual event showcased the bounty of local, fresh produce, fish, meat and other ingredients though interactive dining experiences, cooking demonstrations, industry panels and hands-on events.

The next Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival is set for October 14 to 30, 2016.