Oceanfront benefit dinner at Kona Salt Farm for nonprofit helping kids aging out of foster system

Charis Higginson’s dream of creating a safe living environment for children aging out of the foster system with no place to go is getting closer to fruition.

Humanity Hale, her nonprofit founded in 2019, has raised $350,000 and needs $150,000 more to reach its financial goal to buy land to build a transitional housing village, Higginson said.

On Saturday, May 23, the nonprofit is holding an oceanfront benefit dinner at the Kona Salt Farm, with Chef Brian Fujikawa catering the event.

Humanity Hale was created to provide healing through therapy and a variety of programs for kids and teenagers who have been abused or neglected, bullied, orphaned, living in broken homes or foster care — many of whom are dealing with depression, anxiety and self-harming.

“We’re looking for a place that’s peaceful, in the mountains and where the kids are on the land,” Higginson said earlier this week.

Once the land is secured, Humanity Hale will get to work building the housing village for youth ages 18 to 24. The vision includes small homes, shared community spaces, mentorship programs, cultural healing practices, life-skills education and access to ongoing emotional support services.

“Each year, many teens aging out of foster care in Hawaiʻi are left without stable housing, consistent support systems, or the resources needed to successfully transition into adulthood,” Higginson said. “Humanity Hale exists to change that.”

At least 100 tickets have been sold for the benefit. Higginson said people can still sponsor a table or participate in the silent auction, which is online here.

General admission is $125, VIP tickets are $200, and table packages can be purchased online at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/kokua-and-community-a-benefit-dinner.

The dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. and continues until 9 p.m. It is buffet style with tray-passed pupus, fresh oyster bar, two full bars serving craft cocktails and specialty drinks, a beer tap trailer and a champagne cart.

The event also will feature an intimate acoustic guitar set featuring live vocals by Vaughn Valentino, band music by Positive Motion, hula and fire dancer performances, live/silent auctions and a preview of Humanity Hale’s upcoming documentary.

For more information on Humanity Hale, visit https://humanityhale.org.