Treated Like Royalty

Community Contributed

By Barbara Haliniak

What a glorious night it was for all who attended the fourth annual Senior Christmas Gala on Dec. 11. Mitchell Pauole Center was transformed into a silver palace – white linen table cloths lined the tables centered with flickering flameless candles. Volunteer banquet servers dressed in white and black attire served the 32 tables, simulating the atmosphere of fine dining. Over 300 seniors, 60 years and older dressed in their finest were honored as special guests and enjoyed a night. They were served an ono Chinese dinner catered by Hoku and Randall Corpuz, with dinner music played by Hanalei Lindo and Raymond Hiro, later dancing to the music of the oldies sung by Stanley Albrecht and band.

This annual event is coordinated by the Molokai Chamber Foundation, whose board members are Barbara Haliniak, Judy Egusa, Lynn Decoite, Renee Montizor and Connie Sakata. Sponsors of the event are County of Maui Office of Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Maui Hotel and Lodging Association, Young Brothers and Maui Electric Company. Many thanks to Zhantell Dudoit, MC for the night; Gayla Haliniak-Lloyd, banquet captain; and all who volunteered to make this annual gala a spectacular and memorable event for our senior community.