A Red Carpet Gala launched this year’s scholarship fundraising efforts by the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i, held last week at the Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre Puhi Theatrical Warehouse.
Taking twists from the club’s previous Eat Dessert First roots and the literary and theatrical productions that followed, the Red Carpet Gala leaned toward the Academy Awards for inspiration.
Guests to the sold-out Kaua‘i Community Players’ “Mama Won’t Fly” production were greeted to a red carpet, champagne and sweets station, a photo station and specially created swag bags.
“I’m a Zontan,” said Jo Grande, who directs “Mama Won’t Fly.” “How could we not help them? They are a nonprofit just like the Kaua‘i Community Players. And, besides, a lot of the sold-out 40 tickets were purchased by Zontans.”
Robbie Melton, a co-chair of the Red Carpet Gala with Rebecca Carnate, said the fact that Grande directed the production made it special. Additionally, the club’s president, Lori Benkert, also is a cast member of the KCP production.
Contributions for the special night swag bags came from community donors like the Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Salt, Inkspot Printing, Aunty Lilikoi’s, Macy’s, the MCS Grill and Anahola Granola. Contributions for the special dessert-oriented concession came from Zonta Club bakers and local bakeries like Orly’s Patisserie with Orly Yadao, who has been contributing his baked masterpieces from the days of Eat Dessert First.
Melton and Carnate are the co-chairs of the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Scholarship Committee that includes members Karen Andrews, Laura Cristobal Andersland, Hollis Dana and Diana Harvey. The Scholarship Committee also announced more fundraising events coming up in the near future.
Individuals and organizations wishing to help the Zonta Club are invited to submit contributions by visiting the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i’s website at zonta-kauai.org.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
