Mana`e Mania

Haliu Kealoha, a second grader at Kilohana, wins a prize at the bean bag toss last Saturday at the Bazaar that will go to fund programs for her throughout the next year.

What’s so bazaar about a fundraiser?

By Brandon Roberts

Hard to have Kilohana without the `ohana who gathered across school grounds to support the school by enjoying a day of food and fun. The East End was alive and full of aloha for the annual fundraiser.

“This is the main fundraiser for the school,” said Margret Makekau, Kilohana alumni and chairwoman of the bazaar. “Everybody works together for the kids.” Makekau is also the president of Kilohana School Community Organization, which organizes and coordinates the bazaar.

Around 400 people flooded the Kilohana campus last Saturday to contribute to student events like the theater group performances, holiday parties, and educational workshops.

April Kealoha has been the entertainment coordinator since 1996, and she provided keiki hula performances by her Halau Hula O Kilohana.

“Student activities depend on what happens today,” said Kealoha. “The whole `ohana benefits, it is a beautiful thing.”

The crowd was wowed with original Hawaiian music by Kanoho Helm and his entourage. Between performances, the appreciative audience laughed along with emcees Shannon Crivello and Kaleo Pilanca.

The bazaar had games for the `ohana, like the ring toss and bean bag throw, as well as booths from local artists and entrepreneurs. The line for laulau always seemed to stretch, and the shaved ice and cotton candy never had a moments rest. There were baked goods and fresh produce in abundance for sure.

Kilohana has a very special program that creates a network of support for students and family. Louise Miguel is a proud alumnus, and is employed as a parent facilitator for the school. Miguel said her role is to “build a partnership between the home, community and school, because partnerships equal student achievement.”

Mahalo nui loa to the Mana`e `ohana and KSCO, that make this amazing event possible, and help fund the haumana to develop a well-rounded education, which is priceless.