Orchid Show Preview Party Benefits Mediation Center

The Hilo Orchid Society on Saturday presented Ku`ikahi Mediation Center with a $5,542 donation representing a portion of the proceeds from the preview party for the society’s 61^st Annual Hilo Orchid show.

The event held Aug. 1 at the Edith Kanaka`ole Multi-Purpose Stadium was billed as a zero-waste benefit event featuring fine wines and beer, catered food, live music and orchid pre-sales.

“We were very fortunate to be the beneficiary of this gala event once again,” said Julie Mitchell, Ku‘ikahi ‘s executive director.  “We value our partnerships with community organizations such as the Hilo Orchid Society and are grateful for their continued support.”

Those providing support for the preview party include AJ & Sons Catering, Island Naturals, Hawai‘i Printing Corporation, Hilo Coffee Mill, Kona Brewing Co., Kui & I Florist, Sustainable Island Products, and The Water Man. Individuals who participated included Rene Ahu, Boni Norito, Danny Robinson and a number of volunteers, Mitchell said.

Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center has helped to bring about peaceful resolutions to conflicts in our community since 1983 — first as a program of the Hawai‘i Island YMCA, and from 2005 as an independent non-profit organization.

Ku‘ikahi is the sole non-profit mediation center serving East Hawai‘i, and one of only five in the state.

“These funds will truly make a difference in helping us provide vital conflict resolution services to the community,” Mitchell said.  “Over 50% of our clients have annual household incomes of under $20,000.  Our mediations are provided on a sliding scale fee schedule, and no one is turned for lack of funds.”

She noted that Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center will be offering a 28-hour “Basic Mediation Training” starting Saturday, Sept. 28.  For more information, call 935-7844 or visit www.hawaiimediation.org.

Ku‘ikahi is located in The Hilo Lagoon Centre at 101 Aupuni St., Suite PH 1014 B-2.