No Panic! MA’O Gala Coming Up July 10

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Leeward Community College and MA’O Organic Farms mark their successful and continuing partnership with a sixth annual “MA’O Ma Town” gala July 10 at Bishop Museum.

The event, set for 6 to 9 p.m., will support the unique Waianae farm’s youth training and education program and the recent expansion of its crop lands. Ed Kenney and his Town/Downtown restaurants will serve up healthy, home-grown fare with help from Kona Brewing and entertainment by Kupa’aina. Silent and live auctions are planned.

Tax-deductible tickets cost $150 per person and can be reserved by calling 696-5569 or e-mailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Sponsored tables of eight are available for up to $10,000.

Founded by Gary and Kukui Maunakea-Forth, MA’O has grown to be Oahu’s largest producer of organic fruits and vegetables, and its familiar “Don’t Panic, Go Organic” T-shirts are familiar at farmers’ markets all over the island. It receives a yearly state appropriation to support Leeward youths through farm internships and related classroom courses at LCC. Students can earn an associate of arts degree with certification in community food systems at LCC, and may then transfer to a four-year degree program of their choice.