KALAPAKI — “It’s just like going to the prom,” one guest remarked while checking in at the KEO 40th Anniversary Banquet, Saturday evening in the Grand Ballroom of the Kaua‘i Marriott Beach Club and Resort. MaBel Ferreiro-Fujiuchi, Chief Executive Officer
KALAPAKI — “It’s just like going to the prom,” one guest remarked while checking in at the KEO 40th Anniversary Banquet, Saturday evening in the Grand Ballroom of the Kaua‘i Marriott Beach Club and Resort.
MaBel Ferreiro-Fujiuchi, Chief Executive Officer for the Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity, Inc. (KEO) headed a reception line of staff members and department heads, every member dressed in attire suitable for a “prom.”
Highlighting the event was a specially-created cake that spanned the entire dance floor, approximately 40 feet in length.
Chris Tang, the Marriott’s Director of Event Planning, said the cake took four people almost a week to create, and he believes it’s about the longest one created on the island.
Working under the supervision of Pastry Chef Nancy Kurokawa, Tang explained that the cake was created in 36-inch sections, and after acquiring the special plates, pieced together similar to brick laying.
The cake was part of a Birthday Celebration phase of the program where giant birthday candles would be lit, and with the help of KEO staff, Board, and special guests, would be blown out before being cut with knives strategically placed behind the cake.
Keynote speaker was United States Senator Daniel K. Akaka with messages being delivered by a number of dignitaries including Kaua‘i Mayor Bryan Baptiste, the Kaua‘i County Council represented by Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura and Councilman Daryl Kaneshiro.
David Goller, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Yvonne Foster, Secretary of the Board delivered the Hawai‘i State Legislature message.
Stephanie Aveiro, Executive Director for Housing & Community Development Corporation of Hawai‘i did the honors for Governor Linda Lingle. Dean Toyofuku delivered the words of Congressman Ed Case with Mary K. Thronas, Chairperson of the Board, delivering Senator Daniel Inouye’s sentiments.
The formal portion done, the audience settled in for a special evening of entertainment featuring Ken Tatafu and The Brothers Cazimero.
This was followed by dancing with music being performed by Dickie Hamada & The Starlighters who also graced the dinner hour and no host cocktails.
Dickie Chang served as the emcee for the function with Katie Beer doing the stage management honors.
“In 40 years, KEO has changed the lives of more than 5,000 people on Kaua‘i,” said Ferreiro-Fujiuchi in collaboration with Thronas, Chairwoman of the Board.
“As the local Community Action Agency, we have completed our fortieth year of service to those in need by leveraging needed quality services, innovation in planning and delivering of those services, and the costs to provide them. Our realm of service continue to face complexities with constant change. Building and executing strategies that would deliver notable results were challenging, but achieved,” the CEO continued.
“As we engaged that inner desire to help someone live a better live, we conducted a business with a heart. People, strategy, resources and operations were needed to deliver relief from crisis and needs. Together, the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, funders, customers, participants, and all elements of the community at large reinforced the ‘natural’ strength of a team in its performance by improving the quality of life for many,” she added.
“You all helped us! Thank you! We ask you to continue to be our partner in ‘The Promise of Community Action.”
KEO was chartered in 1965 under the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunity Act of 1965, and started with a grant for one program of $45,000 and three employees.
KEO serves more than 5,000 participants in 32 programs annually.
KEO has a staff of 65 employees, 135 volunteers, and an annual budget of more than $5 million.
