MEDIA RELEASE

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows is partnering with Hawaii Island United Way to host one of its biggest annual fundraising weekends of the year from Friday, July 8 to Saturday, July 9.

Events include the 2011 Mayors Dinner, 18th Annual Mayors Cup Golf Tournament and the Evening in Paradise food and wine extravaganza.

Hawaii Island United Way is hoping the weekend will raise significant monies contributing to its year-round fundraising programs that support 55 vital health and human service programs on the island. Of each dollar raised on Hawaii Island, 98 cents stay on Hawaii Island.

President & Chief Professional Officer of Hawaii Island United Way, Darla DeVille, said the mission of the organization is to “unite people, organizations and resources to build a healthier community. What better way to live united than to raise funds and awareness in an atmosphere that promotes the spirit of aloha.”

Brian Butterworth, The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows general manager, said “The Mauna Lani Bay ohana feel passionate about supporting this invaluable cause as the outcomes have a direct and tangible impact on our community. We invite the community to join us in helping to make this year’s weekend the most successful yet.”

Hawaii Island United Way Mayor’s Reception & Dinner

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 8
WHERE: The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows Ballroom WHO: Mayor Billy Kenoi and Mayor of Kauai, Bernard Carvalho with entertainment by Desiree Cruz and Willie K
COST: $150 per person
DETAILS: Enjoy the fresh flavors of Hawaii at a sumptuous 6-course dinner prepared by Mauna Lani Bay’s star culinary team.

18th Annual Mayors Cup Golf Tournament

With chance to WIN four major hole-in-one prizes at each Par 3.
No. 3 – 185 yards: $10,000 cash (sponsored by Makalei Golf Club)
No. 7 – 165 yards: $25,000 2012 Mazda 5 Sedan (Sponsored by Big Island Motors)
No. 12 – 165 yards: $10,000 cash (sponsored by Makalei Golf Club)
No. 15 – 165 yards: $35,000 2011 Chevrolet Silverado pickup (sponsored by DeLuz Chevrolet)

WHEN: 8 a.m. Saturday, July 9
WHERE: Mauna Lani Resort, Francis H. Ii Brown South Golf Course
WHO: Mayor Billy Kenoi, corporate Hawaii teams and enthusiastic golfers
COST: Visit www.hiuw.org to learn about the various packages on offer
DETAILS: The design of Mauna Lani’s South Course make it the ideal course for both novice and experienced golfers alike. Built on the 16th-century Kaniku lava flow, the 18-hole course features two striking signature ocean holes – 7 and 15. The over-the-water, dramatic No. 15 is well-known as one of the most photographed holes in the world, and No. 7 is a picturesque par-3 framed by the blue Pacific Ocean on the left, a salt-and-pepper sand dune on the right, and back dropped by a feathery grove of Kiawe trees.

An Evening in Paradise – Food and Wine Extravaganza

WHEN: 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 9
WHERE: The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, Hale Hoaloha Pavilion
WHO: Hawaii Island’s finest chefs and gourmet food purveyors COST: Adults $85 (12 and older), Children $50 (5-11 years) DETAILS: Eat, drink and be merry at this coveted annual food lover’s event that’s set to be the biggest yet. Sample gourmet fare from host chefs from The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows in addition to popular restaurants island-wide, such as Roy’s, Daniel Thiebaut’s,Sansei Seafood Restaurant, Fujimamas, Tommy Bahamas, Huggos, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and many, many more. Enjoy entertainment by Old School, performing your favorite covers.

For more information about the above events, special sponsorship packages and to purchase tickets, please contact Hawaii Island United Way at 935-6393 or visit www.hiuw.org

About Hawaii Island United Way

The mission of the Hawaii Island United Way is to unite people, organizations, and resources to build a healthier community. No other non-profit involves as many Big Island residents as HIUW, both in giving and receiving help.

The work of HIUW helps deliver services to the following local organizations: Aloha Council, Boy Scouts of America, American Heart Association, Hawaii County, Integrated Heart and Stroke Initiatives, American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter, Arc of Hilo, Arc of Kona, Bay Clinic, Inc, Big Island Substance Abuse Council, Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island, Brantley Center, Inc, Bridge House, Inc, Child & Family Service, Domestic Abuse Shelter – West Hawaii, Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawaii, Family Support Services of West Hawaii, Food Basket, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii, Girl Scouts of Hawaii, Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii, Inc, Hale Aloha O Hilo Habitat for Humanity, Inc, Hawaii Island Adult Care, Inc, Hawaii Island HIV/ AIDS Foundation, Hawaii Island Home for Recovery, Inc, Hospice of Hilo, Hospice of Kona, Island of Hawaii YMCA, Kona Adult Day Center, Kuikahi Mediation Center, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, Mental Health Kokua, Neighborhood Place of Puna, North Hawaii Hospice, Office for Social Ministry, PATCH (People Attentive to Children), Salvation Army, Hilo Temple Corps, Salvation Army, Kona Corps, West Hawaii Mediation Center and YWCA of Hawaii Island.