Formaggio Gala Set for Kailua Clubhouse

Among its many activities, the Boys & Girls Club Windward Clubhouse kids embarked on a Kailua photo scavenger hunt Dec. 20, and here's their response to 'Take a photo of the Mokes,' featuring (from left) Kiana Paulos, Christina Lee, Celeste Carvelo, Remy Higgins, Scarlet Higgins, Kayla Locricchio, Molly Jones and Elise Montalvo. Photo from Maureen Purington.

The Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii’s Windward Clubhouse is on a mission to sustain and support its programs for keiki, and its gala benefit from 6 to 9 p.m. April 6 at nearby Formaggio Grill should help that effort.

“We are changing things up this year,” said chairwoman Heather Maughan, noting the switch from a Mardi Gras theme. The sixth annual Formaggio Fete “will focus on what the event is really about – having a great time while raising money for the future of our kids and the Windward community.”

Grammy and Hoku award-winning guitarist Jeff Peterson will entertain early in the evening as guests sample dishes on the restaurant’s new menu. Tickets cost $125 per person and include food, beer, wine and a special martini bar from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The clubhouse, which opened in 2006 at Kailua Intermediate School, now serves more than 500 Windward children ages 7 to 17 – about 89 of them each weekday. For the price of $1 a year in dues, it offers sports, art, fitness, recreation, life and leadership skills, and technology and career development programs.

Clubhouse director Maureen Purington also is proud to two recent grants to support ongoing programming: $5,000 each from Harold K.L. Castle Foundation and the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation (in recognition of services provided by Punahou School art students).

To purchase tickets, call 263-0555 or email mpurington@bgch.com.