Hot Shots – 11/30/22

Scholarship Helps Students Soar, Thrive

FAMES Hawai‘i awarded $5,000 scholarships to awardees at its 18th annual Scholarship & Fundraising Gala. The nonprofit provided more than $500,000 scholarship awards to students over the years to help further their education. Nonprofit FAMES Hawai‘i’s mission and purpose are mentoring, educating, motivating and providing students with leadership development. Pictured (from left) are Joni B. Redick-Yundt, CEO and founder, FAMES Hawai‘i; Thomas Yundt, who conducted the scholarship presentation; scholarship awardees Shaena Sanchez, Aeica Lylle Ralleca, Rachel Inez Haynes and Anna Davide; and Sarah Hosaka, president, FAMES Hawai‘i. PHOTO COURTESY MARK SALONDAKA

Giving Machines Launch At Pearlridge Center

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Hawai‘i officially launched its Giving Machines project for 2022 at Pearlridge Center. This year, Giving Machines are situated at two locations at Pearlridge Center Court Mauka near the Holiday Train Express and at Pearlridge Center Wai Makai near the Santa photo booth. Each location has two Giving Machines where residents, participants and donors can purchase items ranging from clothes, shelter and meals, to counseling and classes for Hawai‘i residents in need. Funds raised by the project will support four local nonprofit groups that have been selected as beneficiaries this year. These include Adult Friends for Youth, Family Program of Hawai‘i, Pacific Gateway Center and U.S.VETS Hawai‘i. Additionally, the American Red Cross and iDE are two global nonprofit organizations that will also be included as beneficiaries. PHOTO COURTESY MUFI HANNEMANN

Local Architect Receives Medal Of Honor

The American Institute of Architects Hawai‘i State Council, in partnership with the Hawai‘i Architectural Foundation, presented local architect Christopher Smith, FAIA (front row, center) with its highest achievement, the 2021 Medal of Honor, during a celebration reception at Pacific Club. Smith is the founder and president of the CJS Group Architects Ltd., and previously served as president of Hawai‘i Society (now AIA Hawai‘i State Council). He also served two years as the secretary of National AIA Institute — the only Hawai‘i architect to serve in that capacity. This honor is given to an architect who has significantly advanced the profession and whose leadership provides an inspiration to fellow practitioners. PHOTO COURTESY AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS HONOLULU