Little Chef Big Chef Gala Raises $120,000 for Maui Youth

December 6, 2019, 4:07 PM HST
* Updated December 9, 6:13 AM

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The 5th annual Little Chef Big Chef gala hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui raised an estimated $120,000 for the organization’s programs on Maui.

The fundraiser was held on Nov. 15, 2019 at the Fairmont Kea Lani resort, with presenting sponsor HMSA. The evening featured culinary tastings, dinner, entertainment, a silent auction and dancing.

Seven BGCM “Little Chef” teams under the direction of “Big Chefs” from Maui’s top restaurants competed against each other with their signature pūpū for the event’s People’s Choice Award. Celebrity Masters of Ceremony, Kim Gennaula and Guy Hagi, presided over the festivities.

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This year’s sold out event resulted in a tie between:

Central Club under the direction of Chef Geno Sarmiento with their “Three Cheese Gnocchi” served with ratatouille and a Micro Panzanella Salad” and
Paukūkalo Club under the direction of Chef James Domingo with their “Charred Tako, Hawaiian Kalo Croquette, Coconut Creamed Lūʻau Leaf and Lomilomi Tomato.”

The 2019 Big Chefs included: Chef Isaac Bancaco – Andaz Maui; Chef Matt Dela Cruz – Humble Market Kitchin; Chef James Domingo – Leilani’s on the Beach; Chef Mike Lofaro – Grand Wailea Resort; Chef Grant Oura – OGO; Chef Ivan Pahk – Star Noodle; and Chef Geno Sarmiento -Ekolu Kitchen 1279.

The first annual Whatever It Takes award, which was established to honor a special person who has gone the extra mile to support BGCM and Maui’s youth, was presented at the gala to Karey Kapoi. BGCM selected Kapoi saying “she exemplifies great leadership and has been instrumental in creating impactful connections and growing the organization.” Kapoi joined the BGCM Board of Directors in 2014 and currently serves as the President.

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With more than 30 sponsors and 400 guests, the event raised funds for the BGCM “evidence-based, life-changing programs.” According to the organization, funds raised will remain on Maui to serve more than 2,200 Club members island wide.