Life is Sweet Dessert. Photo courtesy of Best Buddies Hawai’i.

Dessert fans and music lovers won’t want to miss the 6th annual “Life Is Sweet” event at The Shops at Wailea on Saturday, Nov. 14. Since 2009, Wailea’s top chefs have competed to create a signature dessert for the year, and the public is invited to sample the entries as part of a community fundraiser for Best Buddies Hawaiʻi.

The nonprofit has programs in eight Maui schools, providing students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) new friendship opportunities. As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with IDD reportedly secure rewarding jobs, live independently, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships.

The Nov. 14 “Life Is Sweet” celebration, sponsored by Wailea Beach Marriott and The Shops at Wailea, will run from 2 to 5 p.m. in The Shops’ courtyard. The event features delicious desserts, pupus from Longhi’s Wailea and a wine tasting by Alan Jahns.

Celebrity Host for this event will be actress Maureen McCormick, also known as Marcia from the classic 1970’s television sitcom The Brady Bunch.  Master of Ceremonies will be Radio Personality Jonathan Todd.

Life is Sweet Dessert. Photo courtesy of Best Buddies Hawai’i.

Maui’s own Halemanu will provide live music, and Maui’s contestants for the upcoming Miss Teen Hawaiʻi and Miss Hawaiʻi pageants will be on hand to meet and greet.

There will also be a silent auction with offerings like two-night hotel stays, restaurant gift certificates, art pieces, gourmet wines and activities.

This year’s dessert contestants are: Four Seasons Resort Maui, Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Fairmont Kea Lani, Mulligan’s, Matteo’s Osteria, Grand Wailea, Fabiani’s, Tommy Bahama, Longhi’s, and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

Tickets cost $50 per person, and only 200 are available. Free, four-hour parking validation is included in the ticket price.  Reserve them by calling the Best Buddies office at (808) 242-6962 online here.