NUKOLII — John Constantino of the Kauai Community College said the avocado cheesecake contributed by Marlana Patterson of Treats and Sweets was really good as he returned for a second helping at Eat Dessert First hosted by the Zonta Club
NUKOLII — John Constantino of the Kauai Community College said the avocado cheesecake contributed by Marlana Patterson of Treats and Sweets was really good as he returned for a second helping at Eat Dessert First hosted by the Zonta Club of Kauai.
“We have a bunch of students here, helping,” Contantino said Thursday. “They’re helping explain items in the silent auction area.”
The fundraiser at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort benefits the Zonta Foundation which offers scholarships to Kauai students.
Max Nice, a Kapaa High School student, was getting taught the fine art of dipping fresh strawberries into the chocolate fountain by Zontian Dimples Kano.
“I started out by serving coffee at this event a long time ago,” Kano said. “Now, I’m in charge of the chocolate fountain. This is so amazing how far we have come with this. I remember when we started with just plain cookies.”
Tiffany Bernades of The Club at Kukuiula was working at the next station, asking the photographer to be sure the stripes showed on the chocolate dipped macaroons.
“I have a passion for doing this,” said Bernades, food and beverage operations director at The Club at Kukuiula. “This is our first time contributing to this event, but I could do this every day. It’s all for the community.”
Zontian Sue Kanoho thanked the family of the late Mary Thronas, a staunch supporter of Eat Dessert First.
“Aunty Mary’s family is here tonight in her memory,” Kanoho said. “They also provided a donation in her name for the scholarship fund. Aunty Mary — I miss her very much — used to be one of the people who pushed and shoved to make this event a success.”
Betty Bell arrived here in 1966 to work at the G.N. Wilcox Memorial Hospital.
“I joined the Zonta Club of Kauai in 1967,” Bell said, helping the front desk in greeting the never-ending stream of dessert afficionadoes. “We learn a lot from each other because most of the time we’re stuck in our own world.”
Zontian Edie Ignacio Neumiller said there is not really a single chairperson for the event.
“We all kind of just help,” Neumiller said. “If you have to have a name, maybe it’s Jeanette Bonilla who has really embraced the event. We just all help.”
She added the club didn’t have an idea of how many tickets were sold because not everything has been returned from the retail outlets in the community.
Kaleo Carvalho, the mayor’s protocol officer, served as the evening’s host, guiding people through the various stations under the canopy of music being provided by Cruz Control. He also drew the name of the evening’s grand prize getaway package valued at more than $1,300.
Mardi Maione of Organo Coffee walked off with the package which included a two-night stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, a Koloa Zipline tour for two, and a $100 gift certificate from The Shops at Kukuiula.
Cristeta Owan lost little time donning the EFFY Rose Gold Cultured Pearl Necklace valued at more than $400, and Marvel Rushing of North Carolina took home the Macy’s gift card.
