The Malaai Art and Sol Auction, a fundraiser for Malaai: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School is Sunday in Waimea.
A once kikuyu grass pasture devoid of nutrient-rich soil has become one of the most productive 1-acre plots of land in Waimea — providing both food and rich, hands-on scientific and cultural learning experiences for keiki to kupuna. The garden was created 11 years ago and has been one of the lead school gardens in what is now a statewide Ai Pono Initiative to grow and prepare healthy traditional foods to be sent to the Hokulea on its worldwide voyage for the health and well-being of the crews.
Funding this outdoor “living classroom” depends on everything from a farm stand run by middle-school students, to gifts, grants and meaningful partnerships, as well as the annual benefit, which runs 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday at Kahilu Theatre.
The event will feature a selection of silent and “live” auction items including a curly koa treble clef settee made by Paauilo master furniture craftsman Stan Gollaher; farm tours; private dinners; artwork; and more.
All of the money raised will go toward sustaining Malaai school garden, a 501 (c)(3) program that provides learning experiences for the school’s 270 students.
Tickets are $50, which includes pupu and wine. A VNP (very nice person) ticket is offered for $100; $50 of which is a direct donation.
Info/tickets: www.malaai.org, or contact Alethea Lai at 989-7861 or alethea@malaai.org.