KAPAIA — Kathleen Refamonte Ramos said she’s never done anything like this before.
Ramos is part of an Immaculate Conception Church steering committee working to raise $1.2 million in 2018 for a new parish hall for the Kapaia church.
“We’re hosting a series of fundraisers to help the effort,” Ramos said. “We’re putting out a call for vendors for a church bazaar Immaculate Conception is hosting on Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the church grounds.”
Ramos said they also are hosting a kiawe barbeque chicken fundraiser, with pickup on Sept. 29 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at CR Design &Construction in Kukui Grove Village West, adjacent to Sudz Carwash.
“We have a real big goal to meet,” Ramos said. “Right now, we’re at more than $460,000. We need to raise at least $600,000, or half of the $1.2 million before they can even start building the new parish hall. I’ve never done anything like this before.”
Ramos said through the efforts of the leaders of the parish team, and the dedicated members, many of the church’s programs have grown significantly. There is more involvement from returning families and new members, and the new parish hall will serve as a means to continue the church’s mission of stewardship and service to the community.
The series of fundraisers will hopefully get the parish team to its goal of being able to start construction on the new hall that will replace an existing structure.
Tickets for the kiawe barbeque chicken fundraiser are available through any of the Immaculate Conception Church members, or at the church’s office for a donation. Each ticket entitles the holder to either a half chicken or a chicken-tinono plate.
“We’re going to have andagi at the church bazaar,” Ramos said. “The malasada recipe is with other people. We can make andagi.”
The morsel will be among the baked goods, plants, seasonal and handcrafted items, household goods and other items being offered at the bazaar. There is limited space for craft vendors at the bazaar. The deadline for signing up for vendors interested in participating is Sept. 30.
Ramos said Immaculate Conception Church is also accepting donations for the fundraiser that will help the parish hall building fund.
Information: Ramos, 652-1802, or Nadine Higa, 639-0083.
