Eat Dessert First

By Léo Azambuja

Left to right, Patsy Rapozo, Sharron Weber, Edie Ignacio and Sue Kanoho

It was a sweet party in many ways for the couple hundred people who attended Zonta Club’s 25^th Annual Eat Dessert First Mardi Gras Night at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort Ballroom Feb. 13. Held on Fat Tuesday, the last day of Mardi Gras, the event showcased desserts from some of the best chefs on Kaua‘i. Many people donned a Mardi Gras costume, and took on the dance floor rocked by the band Swamp Daddy.

The sweetest thing about the evening, however, was what desserts can do to help Kaua‘i’s young women pursue an education. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation scholarship program at Kaua‘i’s high schools, for women re-entering the workforce at Kaua‘i Community College and other community donations.

Zonta International, a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy, envisions  a world in which women’s rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential.

Left to right, Lori Benkert, Lisa Arin and Vivian Nickerson

Melvin Manuel

Jennifer and Eric Davis

Sue Kanoho and Milo Spindt

Ellie Marcus

Malina Mortell, left, and Lila Mortell

Liz Herring

Lourdes Torres, left, and Julie and John Hodges

Mark Perriello and Marynel Valenzuela

Andrew Denny and Chelsea Crapser

Swamp Daddy

Beth Tokioka and Marty Amaro

Nani Lane, left, and Ellie Marcus

Elvrine Chow

Judy Capertina

Left to right, Jenny Waiwaiole-Vega, Schann Hashimoto and Kellynn Boro

Mel Rapozo

Derek and Monica Kawakami at an event in February.