Hawaii’s award-winning Koloa Rum Company is partnering with National Tropical Botanical Garden as the presenting sponsor for the annual Moonlight &Music Gala Fundraiser at McBryde Garden.
Kauai’s premier gala event features dinner and dancing under the stars at one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. All proceeds benefit the critical plant conservation, research and educational efforts of NTBG, a not-for-profit institution dedicated to discovering, saving and studying the world’s tropical plants and sharing what is learned.
“We are thrilled to support the crucial work of NTBG by sponsoring this special event,” said Bob Gunter, president and CEO of Koloa Rum. “Sustainability, preservation and honoring our agricultural heritage are values we both share, and we look forward to celebrating this mission together.”
As presenting sponsor of the event on Saturday, Aug. 17, Koloa Rum will welcome master mixologist Matthew Biancaniello, author of “Eat Your Drink Culinary Cocktails,” to create special libations featuring Koloa Rum and ingredients from NTBG, with a special emphasis on ulu (breadfruit), one of the “canoe plants” that the first Polynesian settlers brought to the Hawaiian Islands.
Together with Biancaniello, Koloa Rum will offer special one-on-one experiences for high-level Kauwila Table sponsors to “talk story” and learn about his innovative approach to mixology.
“Koloa Rum has been an absolute dream to partner with. Not only do we share the island of Kauai, we also share similar missions, and we’ve been so impressed by their commitment to agriculture cultivation and the preservation of open space on Kauai,” said Janet Mayfield, NTBG director and CEO.
“Most recently, Bob Weist, board chairman of the Koloa Rum Company, joined NTBG as a trustee. We are so honored by his commitment and look forward to working (and toasting!) together for years to come.”
For tickets to the 12th annual Moonlight &Music Gala Fundraiser go to ntbg.org/events/moonlight-music.
Established in 2009, Koloa Rum Company produces artisanal, single-batch, Hawaiian rum and ready-to-drink cocktails at its distillery in Kalaheo, and operates the island’s first distilled spirits tasting room and company store, at Kilohana Plantation in Puhi.
The company’s award-winning portfolio includes its premium Kauai White, Gold, Dark, Aged, Spice, Coconut and Coffee rums. Products are available for purchase online, at select retailers nationwide, as well as in Australia, Canada, France and Japan.
National Tropical Botanical Garden is a not-for-profit, non-governmental institution with nearly 2,000 acres of gardens and preserves in Hawaii and Florida. The institution’s mission is to enrich life through discovery, scientific research, conservation and education by perpetuating the survival of plants, ecosystems and cultural knowledge of tropical regions. NTBG is supported primarily through donations, memberships and grants.
