Kaua‘i Underground Artists, KUGA, are inviting the community to eat out this Thursday for a greater cause. KUGA’s Second Annual Gala on Thursday will feature live entertainment and a silent auction, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at the Plantation Gardens
Kaua‘i Underground Artists, KUGA, are inviting the community to eat out this Thursday for a greater cause.
KUGA’s Second Annual Gala on Thursday will feature live entertainment and a silent auction, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at the Plantation Gardens Restaurant in Po‘ipu.
Last year, Plantation Gardens General Manager Jeff Hanmer approached KUGA Founder Lila Metzger about putting together a fundraiser for the nonprofit.
“He has this desire to support good things happening in the community,” Metzger said. “He offered it to us last year and said ‘if you guys want to do something you’re welcome to.’”
“Lila and her family are just good people,” said Mona Gonzaludo, special events manager for Plantation Gardens Restaurant. “They give back to the community so much that we wanted to do our part and help not only the island, but support them in something that they are really passionate about.”
Gonzaludo, who personally loves to dance, says she’s all for helping influence Kaua‘i’s keiki to be involved in something active, positive and fun.
“KUGA is all about that and we support them all the way,” she said.
Now in it’s second year, the Gala is set to be an even bigger success with an added silent auction and an all-local line up of live entertainment.
There will be live music by Meagan Mendoza, Stasia Estep, Michelle Walker and Friends, and Death By Starfish.
The event will also feature a special silent auction by vendors such as Organic Functional Fitness, Machine Machine, Zumba Kaua‘i, Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i, The Wine Shop, Spa Makaiwa, Island Reflections Photography, Koloa Rum Company, Plantinum Palms Wedding Planning, Blenda Montoro Photography, Milari Designs Hawai‘i, Cassandra Rull Clothing, Kalaheo Cafe, Roy’s and much more.
Plantation Gardens will have a special menu for the Gala, including a signature cocktail. Their regular dinner menu will also be available.
What’s so great about this Gala is that people can choose to come in and have just another night out and KUGA will benefit from it, Metzger said. A percentage of every dinner will go directly towards KUGA’s organization. All VIP tables are sold out, according to Metzger, but she encourages those who wish to dine-in to make a reservation with the restaurant as soon as possible.
“Even if they don’t know anything about KUGA, they can come in and support,” she said. “This gives a chance for the community to hear for themselves what KUGA is about. It’s a way for the public to get to know us more and for them to see and network with us.”
Founded in 2005, KUGA is a non-profit organization with a mission to plant seeds of creativity through dance, music and lyrics. KUGA offers dance and fitness classes, and workshops for all levels of experience throughout the year. They promote healthy lifestyles for youth and adults, and a positive environment that is always kid-friendly.
For more information about KUGA and their Second Annual Gala, visit www.kuga808.com or call 651-4383. To make reservations call Plantation Gardens Restaurant at 742-2121.
• Kim Tamaoka, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 241) or by emailing ktamaoka@thegarden
island.com.
