Enjoy a day of food, folks and fun.Join the hard working individuals who make a difference in Maui’s human and health services at the J. Walter Cameron Center’s 10th Annual Bazaar Fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“The bazaar is a celebration that brings together our community to personally experience the culture of service for which the Cameron Center is so well known for,” said Executive Director César Gaxiola.
The 18 local nonprofit and service agencies that call the center home will utilize the fundraiser’s earnings to provide better services to clients. The Cameron Center operates without government assistance, and most of its support comes from the general public, businesses, trusts, foundations and fundraising events such as Saturday’s bazaar.
“Agencies have used earnings in the past to provide additional services to clients, to buy some type of office equipment they may need, or they add it to their operational expenses,” said Gaxiola.
Six individual buildings are housed under one roof, providing resident agencies with more than 43,000 square feet of space for health education, rehabilitation, day care and human service programs. Throughout the year, the center offers space for meetings and conferences, in addition to supplying start-up assistance for specialized agencies such as the Maui Family YMCA and Hospice Maui.
The free event allows members of the community to gather for an enjoyable day of fun while supporting organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Easter Seals Hawai‘i, Maui Mediation Services and Maui Community Mental Health—just to name a few. “It’s a great opportunity to invite the community and let them know who is here, what they do and how they can provide volunteer services,” said Gaxiola.
Back by popular demand, radio personality Alaka‘i Paleka, KPOA’s Morning Goddess, will resume her role as emcee for the festivities. Part open house and part festival, the public can enjoy a true “kani ka pila” of Maui-bred live entertainment, delicious food, silent auctions and so much more. Keiki will get a kick out of face painting, balloons galore and cool tattoos—temporary of course. Attendees can sample an array of culinary delights, including Portuguese bean soup, hot malassadas, pancit, a variety of baked goods and much more.
Live entertainment will be provided by ‘ukulele player Jared Silva, Hui’s Own ‘Ohana from the resident agency Hui No Ke Ola Pono, Joy Longo of Imua Family Services and local band Triple XXX. The bazaar will also be welcoming back the keiki dancers of the Zenshin Daiko and Dance International Production, always a unique part of the festival. They have been busy the last few years, dazzling audiences around the nation with their unique dance performances. Teachers Anthony and Valerie Jones have always done a terrific job guiding these young talents and keeping the cultural spirit alive. Madelyne Pascua’s Dance International Production will also be on hand with a series of colorful showcases that are sure to please crowds of all ages.
Gaxiola is certain this year’s bazaar will be a success, especially with advanced PR efforts, the integration of different foods, additional parking and the involvement of more local agencies. “When I see lots of people and I can’t walk because it’s too crowded, then I know it’s time to sit down and relax,” he said.
The J. Walter Cameron Center is located at 95 Mahalani St. in Wailuku. For more information, call 244-5546 or visit www.jwaltercameroncenter.org.