This past weekend, I photographed the 30th anniversary gala for Make-A-Wish Hawaii at The Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu. The theme was “Barefoot on the Beach,” and all guests wore white. I love this kind of dress attire, because that means that I can wear something different from my norm. Of course, this time it meant that I had to wear white, but my standard attire is all black, and it was a nice change. As the theme might suggest, guests were encouraged to take off their shoes and go barefoot on the lawn and the sand.
I was very grateful for the opportunity to document this event. For the last few years, I’ve volunteered my services to some great organizations with great causes, and Make-A-Wish Hawaii is no exception. Being able to contribute to Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s 30th anniversary celebration was very special.
This was my first real experience with Make-A-Wish. They truly go above and beyond to make wishes come true, and hundreds of guests were witness to that this past Saturday when, in the middle of the program, Make-A-Wish surprised a family by flying in the grandparents of a child and introducing them on stage. Circumstances have kept 4 year old Aiden from ever seeing her grandparents in person, so this was a very special moment for their family. Miss Hawaii 2012 Skyler Kamaka was there to escort Aiden on stage for the special surprise.
One noteworthy contribution was from Hawaii jewelry designer Robert Palma. Guests donated $50 for a glass of champagne and a chance to fish out a $15,000 diamond from a bowl. The challenge was that the diamond was mixed in with a lot of Cubic Zirconias. But the best part was that the winner donated the diamond back to Make-A-Wish, and it was auctioned off to contribute further ($7k, as I recall). What a generous thing to do.
Of course, The Kahala provided great food and beverages, and Hawaii TV weather anchor Dan Cooke did an excellent job at hosting the event.
Special thanks to Nichole Weddings & Events, Siana Hunt, and the Make-A-Wish Hawaii team for trusting me to document this special celebration.
I really had to hold back from posting too many images. I also listed some of the childrens’ wishes, so you get an idea of what they want. And now I’m getting all emotional as I write this.
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Event Planner: Nichole Weddings & Events
Floral & Decor: Green Honolulu
Lighting & Rentals: Mood Event
Linens: Les Saisons
Entertainment: Velez Sez
Desserts: Hokulani Bake Shop
Neil’s wish is to go to Disney World.
Shaley wishes to be a princess.
The children greeted guests as they arrived at the valet.
Shoe valet station.
Cupcakes by Hokulani Bake Shop.
Robert Palma’s gemologist Lindsey Watanabe checked each stone.
Lots of goodness at the silent auction.
This is Reece. He wishes to be a Jedi Knight.
Dan Cooke makes an announcement during the cocktail hour.
Velez Sez wrapped up the evening with entertainment.
I suppose it really isn’t easy to pick a diamond in a sea of CZs.
Guests donated $50 for a chance to fish out a $15k diamond.
Robert Palma with Mimi McNaughton, who donated the $15k diamond back to Make-A-Wish.
Siana Hunt, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hawaii.
Just one of many beautiful arrangements by Green Honolulu.
Miss Hawaii 2012 with Aiden.
Aiden’s first family photo with her grandparents.
This is one of my faves. I didn’t realize it until I uploaded it.
A beautiful table near the beach.
It was certainly a privilege to work with this amazing non-profit organization. I look forward to hearing more stories of wishes coming true. If you have a story to share, feel free to share them in a comment right here! 🙂
Beautiful pictures! You really captured the event's feel!
[…] hats, and guests with some creative outfits. My first time meeting Aiden was at last year’s 30th Anniversary Gala at The Kahala Hotel & Resort, where Make-A-Wish Hawaii surprised Aiden by flying in her […]