3rd Annual Passion for Purses Benefits Hale `Opio Kaua`i

Jholee Palalay, Marynel Valenzuela, Lani Aranio hover over a table of auction items.

Photos by Melinda Uohara

The 3^rd Annual Passion for Purses Auction and High Tea held at the Kaua`i Beach Resort drew a crowd dedicated to tea, a passion for fashion and a desire to help Hale `Opio Kaua`i. An army of volunteers headed by Mary Navarro included staff and board members of Hale `Opio, Delta Kappa Gamma, Eta Chapter and First Hawaiian Bank workers. Tea items included finger sandwiches, wraps, curried chicken, chocolate covered strawberries, truffles, and more.  The auction had 197 purses — 60 more than last year; most were filled with items such as jewelry, certificates, lotions, and appreciated items in general. Some items up for bid included a Wine Garden picnic basket ready to roll and a golf bag. Funds raised benefit Hale `Opio Kaua`i, Inc., a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for youth at risk by enhancing a sense of belonging, increasing self-awareness and strengthening `ohana. This is accomplished by providing residential and community programs for education, prevention, diversion and treatment.