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Gala will help provide lodging on Oahu for Maui patients

The American Cancer Society HopeFest Maui Gala will begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.

The theme this year is “Maui by Moonlight.” HopeFest begins with a cocktail reception featuring a special drink by Ocean Vodka and silent auction items that include hotel stays, fine dining and sunset sails.

Attendees will be treated to a gourmet dinner buffet paired with unique handcrafted wine by MauiWine.

“It’s a night you don’t want to miss,” said Joni Celiz, American Cancer Society staff partner. “We’ve got Tony Takitani returning as emcee and auctioneer, as well as Maui’s own five-time Na Hoku Hanohano award winner, Napua Greig, to headline entertainment.”

All net proceeds from HopeFest benefit the Clarence T. Ching Hope Lodge Hawai’i, a free place to stay for Neighbor Island cancer patients when their best hope for lifesaving treatment is in Honolulu. Hope Lodge Hawai’i provides a nurturing, homelike environment where guests can rest in their private rooms or connect with others who understand their struggle.

“We started HopeFest three years ago out of a campaign to build Hope Lodge Hawai’i,” said Tyson Miyake, HopeFest event co-chair. “Hope Lodge opened last November, and we helped build that. This year, we get to share how Hope Lodge supports our Maui residents and continue to raise funds to keep the place up and running.”

In the first six months of opening, Hope Lodge Hawai’i has served 158 unique cancer patients, with 54 percent returning for at least a second stay. The average length of stay is seven days, but many have stayed several weeks or even months. Hope Lodge Hawai’i has provided over 2,230 nights of free lodging and saved patients approximately $335,000.

For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.hopefestmaui.org or contact 244-5554.

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