LIHU‘E — The sounds of Hawaiian slack key and honky-tonk will fill the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club Saturday during the 5th Annual Hoedown for Hope. This year, Grammy award-winning slack key artist Cyril Pahinui and his friends Peter
LIHU‘E — The sounds of Hawaiian slack key and honky-tonk will fill the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club Saturday during the 5th Annual Hoedown for Hope.
This year, Grammy award-winning slack key artist Cyril Pahinui and his friends Peter Moon Jr. and Jeff Ah Hoy will headline the event, which has raised more than $150,000 over the last five years for the American Cancer Society, according to a news release.
Hawai‘i News Now anchor Keahi Tucker — who single-handedly raised $400 at last year’s event by auctioning off his own jacket — returns as master of ceremonies. Fast-talking Buddy Gibson from O‘ahu will light up the stage as auctioneer and Captain Andy’s Live Auction for Cancer will have a number of packages to bid on — from hotel stays to artwork.
Local kachi-kachi group Wally Rita and Los Kauaianos will close the evening with their rhythm and catchy beats, according to the release.
“For the price of one ticket, attendees get a unique experience like no other on Kaua‘i,” said Katie Gallo, co-chair of the event. “They will be treated to fine entertainment by one of Hawai‘i’s greatest slack key guitar entertainers, dine on gourmet western barbecue, play one-of-a-kind games and all-in-all have a great time while raising money for a very important cause — to help our friends, families, neighbors, coworkers on Kaua‘i get treatment for cancer and to also fund research.”
In addition to the entertainment, the Western Main Street is revamped with new games and activities that will challenge a person’s talents and skills.
Attendees will have the opportunity to take home event souvenirs at the Steinlager Mug Booth, go diving for treasure in the Aloha Termite Mining For Gold game or unwrap a mystery box with surprise gifts, states the release. King Auto Center will host the “Guess the Weight in the Hope Truck” contest and the best-dressed cowboys and cowgirls can enter to win fabulous prizes in the “Wahooo’s Get-up Giddy-up” contest.
“This year, Kaua‘i’s business community has really stepped up its efforts to fighting cancer,” said Laura Lee, co-chair of the event. “We are fortunate to have business owners on Kaua‘i who truly care about the wellness of their community and offered their support as sponsors of the event. We could not do it without them.”
More than 300 people attended last year’s Hoedown for Hope, raising more than $38,000 for the ACS, the release states. Nearly $7,500 of those funds were earmarked to support the development of the new Hope Lodge in Honolulu, which provides neighbor island residents a comfortable place to stay while receiving cancer treatment.
To celebrate five years, the ACS is offering a “Cadillac Cowboy” package, which includes one VIP ticket for early entrance to the event, a commemorative “Light of Hope” lantern, a Hoedown for Hope T-shirt and a one complimentary drink.
Individual tickets are available for $125 per person, $1,500 for a reserved table for ten.
To purchase tickets visit www.hoedownforhope.org or call the American Cancer Society at (808) 246-0695.
Sponsorship donations and live and silent auction items are also being accepted.
The event will be held at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club’s Kaua‘i Ballroom. Doors open at 5 p.m. for sponsors attending the VIP party and 5:30 p.m. for general admission.
Proceeds for the event support research, education, advocacy and direct patient services. The ACS currently provides services and support for 250 Kaua‘i residents.
For more information or to register visit www.hoedownforhope.org.
