Arts Center Hosts Gala In Mililani

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Touch of Gold will highlight the Oahu Arts Center’s annual
fund-raiser Aug. 26, where guests can enjoy food, wine, a
silent auction and fun activities while supporting the
campaign to build a performing arts center in Central Oahu.
Photo from Suzanne Watanabe.

The Oahu Arts Center will hold its third annual “Night of the Arts"from 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 26 at Mililani Golf Course, offering an evening of food, beer and wine stations, entertainment, desserts and art activities.

“Last year’s event was a great success,” said chairwoman Donna Ribellia-Abreu, “and we want to continue to make this event bigger and better.”

A silent auction is also planned to help raise funds to build a community arts education center and performing venue in Mililani Mauka. Proceeds will also support programs produced by the center, serving the communities from the North Shore to Waianae.

Tickets are $50 per person; $25 for children 12 and under, in advance or at the door. For reservations, call 848-7632, 779-9156, or visit www.oahuartscenter.org

Participating restaurants and food suppliers are Haleiwa Eats, Mililani Golf Restaurant, Big City Diner, Tanioka’s Seafood & Catering, Signature Sweets, Sam Choy’s Breakfast Lunch & Crab, Shanghai Bistro, Coca-Cola, Hawaiian Chef, Kona Brewing Co., Royal Kona Coffee and Meadow Gold.

Heading the entertainment is Sonya Mendez, with Touch of Gold, Jeff Gere and the Mililani High School Band. City Councilman Nestor Garcia will emcee.

The city recently accepted the final environmental assessment for the property, finding no significant environmental impact.

Pending the success of various fundraisers, the OAC intends to build at two-story arts education building, an 873-seat auditorium, an outdoor courtyard and underground parking on three acres of commercially zoned land. Construction should begin in 2010. Castle & Cooke donated the parcel, which is bounded by Meheula Parkway, Lehiwa Drive and Kua’oa Street.

This year’s projects include the OAC’s first musical, Wizard of Oz, set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Mililani Mauka Community Park. Mililani’s own Kristi Kashimoto, a professional performer in her own right, will direct the play. For ticket information, call the arts center.

“We envision the center will be an integral part of our communities and family life, and it will promote an appreciation of the arts,” added OAC president Edmund Aczon.