Dessert lovers will swarm like bees to honey for the third annual Life is Sweet benefit Saturday outdoors at The Shops at Wailea.
To mark the occasion, Wailea's top chefs will compete to create the Signature Dessert 2012, and the public is invited to sample their entries as part of a community fundraiser for Best Buddies Hawai'i.
Sponsored by Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa as well as The Shops at Wailea, this year's Life Is Sweet will be jumping from 2 to 5 p.m. in the lower center concourse of the shopping plaza.
Article Photos
Magazine publisher Diane Haynes Woodburn (left) and Maureen McCormick (aka Marcia Brady of the “Brady Bunch” fame) clown around as judges at last year’s contest.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
Actress Maureen McCormick, aka Marcia Brady of the "Brady Bunch," will return to cochair this year's event with Jeff King of Maui TV News.
"The event will feature delicious desserts and samplings of savory entrees created by some of the most renowned chefs of South Maui's famous resorts and restaurants," says Mike McCormick, Maureen's brother and state director of Best Buddies Hawai'i.
This year's entrants so far include the above-mentioned Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa along with Grand Wailea; Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui; Gannon's: A Pacific View Restaurant; Longhi's Wailea; Tommy Bahama; Ruth's Chris Steak House; Merriman's Monkeypod Kitchen; and Mulligans on the Blue.
While you get your fill of sweet-tooth items, listen to live Hawaiian music by four-time Grammy-winner, master slack key guitarist George Kahumoku accompanied by Uncle Richard Ho'opi'i.
As usual, there will be a silent auction, during which you may bid on island gifts, products and services and meals. There will also be a VIP wine-tasting party, where you may mingle with the celebrity judges.
Besides actress McCormick, past celebrity judges have been Barry Williams (Marcia's brother, Greg Brady, from the classic 1970s television sitcom) and legendary drummer Mick Fleetwood.
"You will really be excited to meet this year's other surprise guests," says Mike. " All proceeds from this Life Is Sweet event will help support Best Buddies Hawai'i and our local programs to assist developmentally-challenged youth in island schools."
Best Buddies is part of an international program founded by the Shriver family. On Maui, programs are at numerous intermediate and high schools across the island.
Tickets are $50 per person. Call 242-6962 or go online to www.bestbuddieshawaii.org.
