MEDIA RELEASE

Waimea resident and former Disney casting executive Thea Johnston has been named chairwoman of the North Hawaii Community Hospital biannual “Cheers” fundraising gala, slated for April 2010.

Thea Johnston

“Cheers” is a dinner event and live auction in the Hualalai Ballroom at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Designed to generate enthusiasm and support for the hospital, all proceeds will benefit the NHCH emergency room.

“Even though it’s almost a year away, I’m very excited,” Johnston said. “’Cheers’ is going to be one of those phenomenal parties where people are having such a good time, they forget it’s a fundraiser.” 

Originally from southern California, Johnston was a part–time Big Island resident for 10 years before relocating permanently in 2007 with husband David and three school-age children. She has devoted the last year to working with Parker School (as president of the PTSO, developing school–parent relationships), Hawaii Preparatory Academy and Hawaii Montessori School.  

Inspired by the island and fortified by a successful career, education and family upbringing in the film industry, Johnston brings a creative, professional passion to community service with “Cheers.”

“We are so fortunate to have the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, one of the top resorts in the world, on our island and as our venue. It sets the tone for quality and expectations while still capturing the Hawaiian essence — which reminds us how lucky we are to live here,” Johnston said. “My goal is to integrate all the fabulous things I’ve loved from amazing events I’ve gone to and apply them to ‘Cheers.’ I want ‘Cheers’ to be the event, and talked about for a long, long time.”

For more information, e-mail Cheers2010@nhch.com or contact Dee Cohler, Cheers administrative coordinator, at 881-4421.