PO‘IPU — The Kaua‘i United Way received a check from the Starwish Kaua‘i for more than $5,000, Friday at Table 53 located in RumFire at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort in Po‘ipu. The total represents proceeds from the Sheraton Kaua‘i and
PO‘IPU — The Kaua‘i United Way received a check from the Starwish Kaua‘i for more than $5,000, Friday at Table 53 located in RumFire at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort in Po‘ipu.
The total represents proceeds from the Sheraton Kaua‘i and Starwish’s inaugural “You Dine, We Donate” program where all proceeds from food and beverage during the month of October were turned over to the Kaua‘i United Way.
Following the successful charity program in October, where Table 53 generated $5,065.19, far exceeding the resort’s goal of $3,000, RumFire and the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort will continue the Table 53 campaign through the end of the year, said Chip Bahouth, the resort’s general manager.
“During the month of November, all food and beverage proceeds at RumFire Po‘ipu Beach’s Table 53 will be donated to the Hawai‘i Foodbank, Kaua‘i Branch,” Bahouth said, following the presentation of the Kaua‘i United Way check. “The December beneficiary is to be announced, but it will probably be the American Red Cross for all the work they have been doing in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.”
The day’s events centering on the presentation of the Table 53 proceeds to the Kaua‘i United Way extended beyond just the check.
Annette Wong, the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort executive assistant and president of Starwish, Kaua‘i, the charitable arm of the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort and the Westin Princeville, said the resort was also hosting a special employees’ health fair, featuring several KUW participating agencies, and a KUW pledge campaign over lunch set up in the resort’s ballroom.
“A big mahalo to Chip Bahouth and the Sheraton team, not only for their great support for this year’s payroll-deduction campaign, but for their creativity in providing additional Campaign fundraising support with this very successful Rumfire promotion,” said Doug Sears, the KUW Campaign Co-chair and general manager of the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa in Po‘ipu.
Scott Giarman, the KUW executive director, echoed Sears’ words, adding his personal thanks to the Sheraton staff for their hard work and devotion to our island community.
“This is an important time of year as we go into the holidays,” said Bahouth. “So much of the holidays center around being together and connecting with loved ones over a special meal. We encourage our guests and the community to participate and support the Hawai‘i Foodbank, Kaua‘i Branch, so those less fortunate in our community can have a memorable holiday season.”
During the November promotion, the Sheraton Kaua‘i associates will be hosting a food drive to benefit the Hawai‘i Foodbank, Kaua‘i Branch, the second consecutive year Sheraton Kaua‘i will host a food drive for the organization.
Last year, Sheraton Kaua‘i donated one of its company vehicles, a van, filled with food collected by the resort’s associates.
“We welcome any restauranteurs who would like to participate in this effort and challenge us in raising the most money,” Bahouth said. “This is a worthy cause and the more participants we have, the greater the impact we have on our community.”
Wong said the “You Dine, We Donate” program is only one of the charitable efforts of the Starwish program.
“We also support the Visitor Industry Charity Walk,” Bahouth said. “By visiting and patronizing the Christmas Craft Fair, shoppers help the Charity Walk and can enjoy the new renovations of our Ocean Wing and Courtyard.”
Wong said Starwish also provides scholarships for graduating high school seniors .
Guests dining at RumFire will enjoy the 180-degree oceanfront views and the Hawaiian-rooted cuisine with global influences, spearheaded by Executive Chef Roger Liang and his culinary team, states a Sheraton release.
Facing the landscaped Ocean Courtyard and firepits, Table 53 is prime seating for viewing Kaua‘i’s sunsets.
Patrons who are interested in participating in RumFire’s month-long “You Dine, We Donate” program are encouraged to make reservations in advance by calling (808) 742-4RUM and requesting Table No. 53.
The table will be available on a first come, first served basis. All food and beverage proceeds will be donated to the month’s beneficiary, gratuity will be paid to the server and taxes will be remitted to the State of Hawai‘i.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
