MEDIA RELEASE

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows partners with Hawaii Island United Way to host one of its biggest annual fundraising weekends of the year from Friday, July 9 to Saturday, July 10.

The mayors of each county — Mayor Billy Kenoi, Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Mayor Charmaine Tavares and Mayor Bernard Carvalho — will be taking part in the weekend’s festivities and are urging the community to join in the fun.

Events include the 2010 Mayors Dinner, 17th Annual Mayors Cup Golf Tournament and the Evening in Paradise food and wine extravaganza.

Hawaii Island United Way is hoping the weekend will raise significant monies contributing to its year-round fundraising programs that support 55 vital health and human service programs on the island. Ninety-eight percent of all dollars raised on Hawaii Island, stay on Hawaii Island.

President & Chief Professional Officer of Hawaii Island United Way, Darla DeVille, said the mission of the organization is to “unite people, organizations and resources to build a healthier community. What better way to live united than to raise funds and awareness in an atmosphere that promotes the spirit of aloha.”

Brian Butterworth, General Manager of Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows said that the “Mauna Lani ohana feel passionate about supporting this invaluable cause as the outcomes have a direct and tangible impact on our community. We invite the community to join us in helping to make this year’s weekend the most successful yet.”

* Hawaii Island United Way Mayor’s Reception & Dinner
WHEN: Friday, July 9, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows Ballroom
WHO: Honorary Guests: Mayor Billy Kenoi, Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Mayor Charmaine Tavares and Mayor Bernard Carvalho. Special Entertainment: Desiree Cruz and Willie K and Eric Gilliom as ‘Barefoot Natives’
COST: $150 per person
DETAILS: Enjoy the fresh flavors of Hawaii at a sumptuous 6-course dinner prepared by Mauna Lani’s star culinary team. Meet the four County Mayors, mingle with fellow kamaaina and allow the smooth jazz of Desiree Cruz to entertain you. Later, get ready to laugh and sing along as the Barefoot Natives take to the stage with their upbeat act that blends Hawaiian music, culture and humor.

* 17th Annual Mayors Cup Golf Tournament
WHEN: Saturday, July 10, 2010, 8 a.m.
WHERE: Mauna Lani Resort, Francis H. Ii Brown South Golf Course
WHO: Four Mayors representing each county, corporate Hawaii teams and enthusiastic golfers
COST: Visit hiuw.org to learn about the various packages on offer
DETAILS: The design of Mauna Lani’s South Course make it the ideal course for both novice and experienced golfers alike. Built on the 16th-century Kaniku lava flow, the 18-hole course features two striking signature ocean holes – 7 and 15. The over-the-water, dramatic No. 15 is well-known as one of the most photographed holes in the world, and No. 7 is a picturesque par-3 framed by the blue Pacific Ocean on the left, a salt-and-pepper sand dune on the right, and back dropped by a feathery grove of Kiawe trees.

* An Evening in Paradise – Food and Wine Extravaganza
WHEN: Saturday, July 10, 2010, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, Hale Hoaloha Pavilion
WHO: Hawaii Island’s finest chefs and gourmet food purveyors
COST: Adults $85 (12 and older), Children $50 (5-11 years)
DETAILS: Eat, drink and be merry at this coveted annual food lover’s event that’s set to be the biggest yet. Sample gourmet fare from host chefs from Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows in addition to popular restaurants island-wide, such as Roy’s, Daniel Thiebaut’s, Sansei Seafood Restaurant, Fujimamas, Tommy Bahamas, Huggos, Ruth Chris Steak House and many, many more.

For more information about the above events, special sponsorship packages and to purchase tickets, contact Hawaii Island United Way at 935-6393 or visit www.hiuw.org