NAWILIWILI — The Kauai Independent Food Bank has been helping the people of Kauai continuously for the past 25 years, said Cyndi Ayonon Thursday during a meeting at the KIFB Nawiliwili facility to get a Zontian recruit acquainted with the food bank.
“The key word is ‘continuous,’” said Ayonon, a KIFB board member. “They did not stop helping. And, they’re still helping.”
The KIFB is presenting its silver birthday bash Friday, Sept. 13, from 5:30 p.m. at the Kauai Veterans Center, featuring a luau dinner, no-host bar with beer and wine, and entertainment by Na Hoku Hanohano award winner Paul Togioka. Additionally, a silent auction and prize giveaways will be available.
“We just want the community to come together and help us celebrate where we are and how we got here,” said Kelvin Moniz, KIFB executive director. “We only had one party, previously to celebrate our 23rd year. That was two years ago.”
Moniz said last-minute confirmations will have J Robertson, director of Hoike Community Television, serving as the event emcee, and chef Judy Capertina, of Haole Girl Island Sweets, providing the birthday cake.
The event is being sponsored by Mokihana Insurance Agency, which hosted a food drive as a summer project for a college student. The Zonta Club of Kauai will be lending its support by volunteering at the event.
Representatives from the different KIFB programs — Keiki Cafe, backpack, kupuna shopping and Ho‘ouluwehi emergency food distribution — will be available to talk about their respective programs, said Leona Perez, KIFB programs manager.
“We’ll be celebrating our programs as well as thanking the many people whose contributions make these programs work,” Perez said. “Some of these contributors include all of the credit unions on Kauai, the major resorts, the Kauai Visitor Industry Charity Walk, the Department of Education, the County of Kauai, and many more.”
Admission to the bash is $25 for adults, and $12 for children ages 6 through 12 years old.
“Children ages 5 and below are free,” Moniz said. “We also have corporate sponsorships available for bigger group sales, and to those who want to contribute to the silent auction, we welcome any contributions.”
Info: 246-3809 or www.kauaifoodbank.org
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
