POIPU — Stacie Chiba-Miguel is excited about the 41st annual Kauai Charity Walk.
Part of that excitement goes toward “Flavors of Kukuiula” from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday centering around the Palm Court area at The Shops at Kukuiula.
“We can’t wait to welcome our guests with great food, drinks and entertainment — all for such an amazing cause,” said Chiba-Miguel, general manager of The Shops at Kukuiula. “We cherish our partnerships with our local charities, and being involved with the annual Charity Walk is a great way to contribute to our local community.”
The Flavors of Kukuiula, known as the island’s largest family friendly pau hana party, will feature food by participating restaurants, a wine and beer garden, an opportunity to meet some of the local charities that benefit from the Charity Walk, and a silent auction benefiting the walk.
Ron Wiley will be the emcee and there’s a free concert with live music being provided by The Tradesmen, and The John Rivera Collective.
The Kauai Charity Walk will take place May 11, with registration starting at 6:30 a.m. at the North Vidinha soccer fields park.
Kauai’s goal for the walk is $410,000 to acknowledge the 41st year it has raised monies for nonprofits.
“Last year’s walk raised $362,000 that was shared by 60 nonprofit organizations on Kauai,” said Chip Bahouth, a walk chairperson. “Money raised on Kauai stays on Kauai.”
Other events coming up that benefit the Charity Walk include the annual bowling tournament scheduled April 13 at the Kauai Bowling Center, and the Fishing for Charity shoreline fishing tournament April 26 through 28.
“Many of the associates at the Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club are anglers,” said Jacob Vogelgesang, chair of this year’s Charity Walk. “After speaking with them, they lament the lack of good fishing tournaments on the island following the closures of stores that used to host the tournaments. We welcome anglers who, by participating, also help the Charity Walk.”
The “Countdown to the Charity Walk” is scheduled May 4 at Kukui Grove Center.
More events benefiting the Charity Walk include an upcoming pancake breakfast hosted by the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort
New this year is the “Rubbah Slippah Drop,” where, for a donation, patrons can either bring their own slippahs or get one on-site, for a drop from the county’s new ladder truck, the closest to the target earning a trip.
Since its inception in 1978, the Visitor Industry Charity Walk has raised more than $32 million.
