A first of its kind fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kauai is happening Friday.
The organization is teaming up with Chef Mark Oyama of Mark’s Place and Contemporary Flavors Catering to host the first “Perfect Pairings” pupu and wine event. Top chefs from around the state, including Alan Wong and Guy Higa, will be creating all kinds of palate-pleasing pupu that participants will pair with fine wine from around the world.
“It’s the ultimate happy hour,” said Nicole Cowan, Kauai regional director of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Collaborating with Oyama was a no-brainer, especially since Cowan teamed up with him for a successful event in May that celebrated the 10th anniversary of BBBS on Kauai and the 20th anniversary of Mark’s Place.
“We had so much fun,” Cowan said.
Plus, Oyama was able to reach out to his friends and colleagues who agreed to be a part of the fundraiser.
“I have personally seen the positive difference the mentorship program has done for the kids in the program,” said Oyama when asked why he decided to participate. “It has touched my heart to see the impact and how they can make a difference for us in the future.”
Every penny of the fundraiser’s proceeds will stay on Kauai to help facilitate the continued growth of Big Brothers Big Sisters — an organization that provides keiki with opportunities they might not otherwise have.
BBBS fosters one-on-one mentorships for keiki who are faced with adversity. The organization achieves this goal by pairing “Littles” with responsible “Bigs.”
“They not only have a mentor, but have someone to look up to and be like,” Cowan said.
Keiki are matched with either high school students through a school-based program or with adult volunteers in the community. The school-based program brings high school students and elementary school students together once a week.
The community-based program is for volunteers 18 years and older who wish to spend about two to four days per month mentoring a child between 6 and 16 years old. Activities can range from hanging out at the beach and hiking to fishing and baking cookies.
Kids will often come to the program neither talking to anyone nor making eye contact, and often not caring about things like school. But having a mentor, they get to see on a consistent basis makes a huge difference in their lives, Cowan said.
A perfect example of this is 15-year-old Aries Lebanon who, when she first arrived at BBBS, was shy and introverted, Cowan said. But over time, her “Big,” Sara Touchet of the Westside, helped bring Lebanon out of her shell. Their pairing, which has lasted some two years, was so profound, that Touchet was awarded the BBBS “Big Sister of the Year” for Hawaii.
Cowan hopes that the fundraiser will become an annual event.
“We want to be able to serve all kids,” said Cowan, who added that there is currently a waiting list. “It would be great to be in more schools.”
Since she took the organization’s reins a year ago, the program has expanded on Kauai. There are now three employees working for BBBS on the island and they now have a Koloa School site.
“To be able to grow is what’s driving this event,” Cowan said.
“Perfect Pairings” is from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club. Tickets are $150 per person and there are VIP packages available. Call 631-8642 or visit bbbshawaii.org/kauai-events for more information or to purchase tickets.
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Coco Zickos, county reporter, can be reached at 245-0424 or czickos@thegardenisland.com.
