MEDIA RELEASE

The Kona Hospital Foundation has been recently named as the beneficiary to the proceeds of “La Dolce Vita” (The Sweet Life), a Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kaupulehui and HI Luxury Magazine fundraiser.

The food and wine event is 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 at the five-star hotel’s Beach Tree Restaurant. The evening will feature a beautiful ocean view with culinary creations by Chef Nick Mastrascusa.

“Kona Community Hospital provides vital services to our community and we want to extend our appreciation by giving back to them,” said Robert Whitfield, general manager of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. “We are looking forward to working with the Kona Hospital Foundation on other events in the near future.”

Jim Higgins, chairman of the Kona Hospital Foundation, said, “We are grateful to be part of this wonderful event. Our Foundation’s primary purpose is to help Kona Community Hospital and when local businesses and organizations offer to help, we know that we are heading in the right direction.”

The proceeds of this fundraiser will go toward the Adopt-A-Room Project, the Foundation’s major capital campaign that will renovate 34 patient rooms.

The transformation of these rooms that were constructed 30 years ago provides not only a major improvement in patient care and healing by having state-of-the-art equipment but a beautiful and peaceful environment.

Tickets to this first-ever event are $100 per person. Call 325-8135.

The Kona Hospital Foundation’s mission is to accept gifts and solicit donations for new medical technology, expanded services and enhanced facilities for Kona Community Hospital.

Since its inception, the Foundation has donated more than $5 million toward numerous projects that have improved the hospital. Major endeavors include the Radiation Oncology Center, Imaging Center, Nuclear Medicine Suite, and Outpatient Chemotherapy Building.

Many other projects to date include the emergency helicopter landing area, repair and painting of the facility, enhanced directional signage for visitors, medical equipment and education for hospital professionals.

Founded in 1914, Kona Community Hospital is a 94-bed full-service hospital with 24-hour emergency services that supports the west region of the island of Hawaii. It is a member of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, a special agency of the state of Hawaii established in 1996.

It is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Kona Community Hospital is dedicated to providing and enhancing accessible comprehensive healthcare services to the West Hawaii community.