NAWILIWILI — Charlene Steuri, adviser for the Kauaibots robotics team, said they go from decorating their holiday tree at the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club to the robotics workshop at Island School to decorate for the Lights on Rice
NAWILIWILI — Charlene Steuri, adviser for the Kauaibots robotics team, said they go from decorating their holiday tree at the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club to the robotics workshop at Island School to decorate for the Lights on Rice holiday parade.
“This is all good,” Steuri said. “We’ll just keep decorating.”
The Kauaibots is one of nine nonprofits who benefit from the second Mele Kalikimaka O Kalapaki program at the Kauai Marriott.
Participating nonprofits decorate a tree provided by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, and people are able to vote by donation for their favorite tree. Voting forms are available by checking with the front-desk associates.
Proceeds benefit the participating nonprofit organization, said Enoch A‘ana of Pele’s Weddings and Events, event coordinator.
“Look at this,” Steuri said to her decorating crew. “Proceeds from this tree go to benefit a young student who is battling cancer. That is so touching.”
Participating nonprofits include the Lihue Lutheran Church Youth Group, ‘Ele‘ele School, Po‘okela Volleyball Club, Kapaa Middle School Choir Boosters, Kauaibots, Waimea Canyon Middle School, King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School, Elsie Wilcox Elementary School and Koloa School.
Each tree includes a description of the organization and what the raised funds will be used for.
A‘ana said the trees will be available for viewing and voting until Dec. 31.
The growing number of trees is located in the resort’s main lobby.
“Last year we had the trees ringing the canoe,” said Cheryl Ben Brady of the Kauai Marriott.
“This year, because there are more trees, the display is spread around the lobby. We need to figure out how to accommodate more trees.”
The resort also has a Toys for Tots collection box in the main lobby, another holiday tradition.
