2nd Annual Malama Your Mama at Akaʻula Is a Success

The 2nd Annual Malama Your Mama on Mother’s Day included a brunch buffet operated by students and parents. Photo by PF Bentley

By Dayanti Karunaratne

Mamas are the best, and as such, they deserve a lavish brunch and all the spa treatments they can get on Mother’s Day. But despite all the pampering the mothers got at Akaʻula School’s 2nd Annual Malama Your Mama, who really benefitted were the students because the event was a fundraiser for the school.

“We depend on parent commitment and the generosity of private donors, and this fundraising event is an important part of that,” Akaʻula Principal and co-founder Vicki Newberry said. “The most exciting thing for me was watching the ownership the students took.”

The 2nd Annual Malama Your Mama at Molokai Community Health Center on Mother’s Day May 10 included a brunch buffet, a silent auction, mini spa treatments, a lei stand and live entertainment by local musicians. 

About a 100 people attended the event, which was an opportunity for the students to celebrate their mothers, while also raising funds for important programs at the Kualapuʻu-based school.

The new interactive buffet stations operated by students and parents encouraged casual conversations — and in some cases, taught cooking skills. Lee Boehler, Lori Inouye’s son, trained students and parents in the prior week to work at the popular omelet station and prepare a decadent French toast. 

“Lee’s wide skill-set and can-do attitude was a wonderful motivator,” Newberry said.

The buffet arrangement created a nice flow, allowing attendees to connect with friends, bid on donated items and even take time for a massage. Perhaps the best of all: there was no waiting to be served.

“I’m sure it’s something we will do in the future. It was really nice, less formal and more open to conversation and mingling,” Newberry said.  

Most importantly, she said, the goal of raising money to provide financial aid to students was met, in part due to a matching donation from a generous community member. Since its opening in 2003, the independent school has hosted successful fundraisers to maintain its operations. Even though it receives no state or federal funds, all students receive financial aid. 

Akaʻula School is “committed to the collaborative processes of learning, leading and decision making to provide education that embraces multiple intelligences and meets the needs of a diverse learning community,” according to its website.

Essentially, Newberry said, that’s what the school does; it offers a choice.

“Certainly, former students and families of former students have been welcome supporters of the fundraiser,” Newberry said. 

The fundraiser was organized by Akaʻula Board of Directors and staff, including Newberry, Inouye, Head of School and co-founder Dara Lukonen, teacher and co-founder Paul Riel, Kalaʻe Tangonan and Tina Choy.

Visit akaula.weebly.com for more information.