Hoedown For Hope To Raise Money For American Cancer Society

Cyril Pahinui, Peter Moon Jr. And Jeff Ah Hoy To Headline 5th Annual Hoedown For Hope To Raise Money For American Cancer Society

The sweet sound of Hawaiian slack key music mixed with a little bit of honky tonk will be pouring out of the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club’s Grand Ballroom on February 23, 2013 in honor of the 5th Annual Hoedown For Hope. Grammy award-winning slack key artist Cyril Pahinui, Peter Moon Jr. and Jeff Ah Hoy will headline the event that has raised over $150,000 in the last five years to benefit the American Cancer Society.

To celebrate its 5th anniversary, the American Cancer Society is offering a Cadillac Cowboy package to attendees. This package includes one VIP ticket for early entrance to the event, a special commemorative “Light of Hope” lantern, Hoedown For Hope t-shirt and a free drink. Those with VIP tickets get in early at 5:00 p.m. to check out the silent auction items or start playing games on the Western Main Street without having to wait in line.

Hawaii News Now anchor Keahi Tucker, who raised $400 last year by auctioning his jacket right off his back, is returning as master of ceremonies. Lighting up the stage is fasttalking cattlemen auctioneer Buddy Gibson from Waimanalo, Oahu. The Capt. Andy’s Live Auction for Cancer will have a number of fabulous packages – from hotel stays to art pieces and everything in between.

The highly popular local kachi kachi group Wally Rita and the Kauaianos will close the evening with their rhythm and catchy beats.

“This year, Kauai’s business community has really stepped up its efforts to fighting cancer,” said Laura Lee, co-chair of the event. “We are fortunate to have business owners on Kauai who truly care about the wellness of their community and offered their support as sponsors of the event, we could not do it without them.”

In addition to the entertainment, the Western Main Street is revamped with new games and activities that will challenge a person’s talents and skills. Attendees can take home souvenirs of the event at the Steinlager Mug Shot booth, go diving for treasure in the Aloha Termite Mining For Gold game, or unwrap a mystery box with surprise gifts. King Auto Center will also have their very own “Guess the Weight in the Hope Truck” contest with a truck parked outside the event doors and the best dressed cowboy and cowgirls can enter the Wahooo’s Get-up Giddy-up contest to win fabulous prizes.

“For the price of one ticket, attendees get a unique experience like no other on Kauai. They will be treated to fine entertainment by one of Hawaii’s greatest slack key guitar entertainers, dine on gourmet western bbq, play one-of-a-kind games and all-in-all have a great time while raising money for a very important cause, to help our friends, families, neighbors, coworkers on Kauai get treatment for cancer and to also fund research,” said Katie Gallo, co-chair of the event. “There is so much to do and see during the event that no one ever leaves saying it was just another boring fundraiser function.”

Katie Burleson, American Cancer Society Manager of Income Development said, “The American Cancer Society is so grateful to these hardworking individuals who work their heart out to put together a wonderful event to raise money for our organization. Their efforts have saved lives and provided funding to support ACS in its mission to helping people celebrate more birthdays.”

The Kauai Ballroom doors at the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club open at 5:00 p.m. for sponsors attending the VIP party and 5:30 p.m. for general admission. Tickets are $125/person or $1500/table (reserved).

More than 300 attendees participated in last year’s Hoedown For Hope, raising over $38,000 for the American Cancer Society. Nearly $7,500 of the $38,000 was earmarked to support the development of the new Hope Lodge in Honolulu, so that neighbor island residents will have a comfortable place to stay while receiving treatment. Proceeds from the event support research, education, advocacy, and direct patient services. The American Cancer Society currently provides services and support to 250 Kaua‘i residents.

Individual Tickets are available for $125 per person, or $1500 for a reserved table for ten, and may be purchased by visiting www.hoedownforhope.org or calling the American Cancer Society at (808) 246-0695. Sponsorship donations as well as items for live and silent auction are also being accepted.

For more information on the event or to register, “like” the “Hoedown For Hope” fan page on Facebook or visit www.hoedownforhope.org.