WOMEN OF WAI'ANAE PANIOLO FUNDRAISER
“IT’S NOT OUR FIRST, OR LAST, RODEO!”
The Women of Wai‘anae Paniolo fundraiser was a galloping success. Over 80 cowboys, girls and several Indians, danced, laughed, and ate some amazing food as they rode into the sunset at Our Lady of Kea‘au on December 7, 2024.
Fabulous live Hawaiian and contemporary music by Thurston Kamealoha and Ilona Irvin echoed across the plains. Guests were greeted by elegant-looking tables and chairs decorated by Ho‘omau Ke Ola volunteers.
The food was a major highlight – tender, juicy BBQ chicken and steak with sides of potato salad, greens, and of course Blazing Saddles baked beans. Sweet teeth were satisfied by creamy cheesecake and other desserts.
Wild dancing began with some Oldies but Goodie songs, such as our favorite, “Mustang Sally” and the “Electric Slide,” with most people going in the right direction most of the time.
The silent auction and games kept folks busy. Smiles and hugs were shared among old friends and new. A serious moment of deeply touching words by several WOW awardees made the guests aware of the powerful work WOW has done over the many years. The awardees shared their stories of determination, hardship and success. Education is a path to create careers that will take them out of the cycle of poverty.
The Women of Wai‘anae (WOW) is a non-profit organization that has been giving scholarship awards to non-traditional students on the Wai‘anae Coast for almost 30 years. In 2024, WOW distributed $38,500 dollars in scholarships to fifteen students.
The WOW Paniolo Fundraiser brought together volunteers, community folks and awardees. If you would like to join WOW or make a donation, please contact Karen Young at 808-388-8828. Also, come on down and check out our website at www.womenofwaianae.org.
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