LIHU‘E — A double celebration is in order Saturday as the Kaua‘i Visayan Club hosts its 20th International Costume Ball at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club ballroom while also commemorating its silver anniversary. The event is the organization’s
LIHU‘E — A double celebration is in order Saturday as the Kaua‘i Visayan Club hosts its 20th International Costume Ball at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club ballroom while also commemorating its silver anniversary.
The event is the organization’s biggest fundraising event of the year, states a press release.
This year’s theme is “Through the Years,” an evening of musical extravaganza conceptualized, choreographed, and directed by Virgie Cruzada.
More entertainment performances are being lined up showcasing talents from Kaua‘i and the Neighbor Islands, according to Mitch Ouye Jr., chairperson.
The International Costume Ball features international-flavored entertainment with a buffet dinner and dancing to the beat of the ‘Ohana Band and highlighted with the “Parade of Costumes,” a friendly competition for best international costumes.
People from all ethnic backgrounds are invited to participate and win prizes including cash, trophies and gift certificates.
A panel of judges from the community will select best national costumes in three categories: children, individual adults and couples.
The Kaua‘i Visayan Club has chosen the Hawai‘i chapter of the American Red Cross as this year’s beneficiary.
Past recipients included the Kaua‘i Food Bank, Mahelona Medical Center Charitable Foundation, Easter Seals Society, YWCA Women’s Shelter, Kaua‘i Hospice, the American Cancer Society, and the Rotary Club of Po‘ipu Cebu Medical Mission, to name a few.
In 2005 the organization donated to international charities such as the Bantay-Bata 163 Foundation of ABS-CBN Philippines whose mission is to provide shelters to orphans as well as the physically and sexually abused children.
That same year, 27 Kaua‘i Visayan Club members took a trip to Cebu City, Philippines, at their own expense, and personally handed the check to Bantay-Bata, Cebu Chapter.
The Kaua‘i Visayan Club hopes that the residents of Kaua‘i will again open their hearts to participate in this worthy cause to benefit the Hawai‘i chapter of the ARC.
The public is reminded that no-host cocktails and pre-judging for the International Costume Contest will begin at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and program to follow.
Tickets are now available from any member of the club: $50 for adults, and $35 for children 12 years and under.
For more information, call Ouye, 280-2178; Evelyn Basnillo, 652-7249, or Aurea Laymon, 822-7322.
