Lanikuhonua Gala Will Benefit Boys & Girls Club Of Hawaii

Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii returns to Kapolei for its annual Walk in the Country fundraiser beginning at 5 p.m. Aug. 16 at Lanikuhonua at Ko Olina.

The event, which also marks BGCH’s 38th anniversary, will feature food, wine tasting and silent auctions. Walk in the Country is designed to raise funds to support the nonprofit’s operations and programs. This year’s theme is “Building GREAT Futures.”

“At BGCH, we aim to build great futures for youths by providing them with caring, dedicated staff and evidence-based programs in three outcome areas: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles,” explained BGCH president and CEO Tim Motts. “It has been proven that regular attendance at a Boys & Girls Club leads to a higher high school graduation rate. Our mission is to inspire youths to become productive, caring citizens who want to give back to their community.”

On the menu at Lanikuhonua is a traditional luau-style feast and specialty food stations that feature dishes ranging from Thai curry to local poi to selections from area restaurants like Roy’s and Monkeypod.

“Our goal this year is to net $500,000 — all going to support our keiki!” Motts said. “We hope to provide a wonderful evening and experience for our supporters, and help them and their guests get to know more about our cause and what we do for the community.”

Tickets are $500 per person, and the reservation deadline is Friday (Aug. 1). A limited number of corporate tables also are available. For more information, call 949-4203 or visit bgch.com/2014Walk.