Preparing the imu. (Photo courtesy of Waimea Middle School)

MEDIA RELEASE

Due to the popularity of Waimea Middle School’s imu project, another invitation is being extended to community friends to participate in an Easter imu that will help raise funds for the school’s eighth grade East Coast educational trip in May 2011.

Coordinating the imu with the 8th Grade East Coast Trippers and their families is Uncle Kyle Hooper and friends.

Foods to be cooked in the imu should be dropped off at Malaai school garden between 3-5 p.m. Thursday, April 21, and retrieved between 8-9 a.m. Friday, April 22.

A $20 donation is suggested for the imu, and reservations are recommended by securing a ticket from any of the WMS East Coast Trippers or their families, or by stopping by the school office or calling Patti Cook (937-2833).

Foods for the imu may include turkey, ham, pork, fish, or even lamb, as well as kalo (taro), ulu (breadfruit), uala (sweet potatoes) and vegetables.

Items should be completely thawed, seasoned and tightly double wrapped with foil in an aluminum pan. Traditional wire “packages” containing meats and vegetables wrapped in ti leaves may also be put into the imu.

It is recommended participants bring a cardboard box when picking up their cooked food as it will still be very hot.

Proceeds from this project will help underwrite this year’s trip to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City in late May. The trip is intended to bring to life the American history that students have been studying.