MAUNA LANI — Lights, trees and ornaments were strewn about a corner of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel lobby earlier this month as different nonprofit groups assembled themed Christmas trees for the annual Charity Trees.
The 24th annual display runs through Dec. 29, featuring themed Christmas trees made by 39 nonprofit organizations. Resort Marketing Manager Susan Bredo said the event is an opportunity for smaller charities to get exposure they normally wouldn’t.
Part of the event allows people to vote for their favorite tree. Each vote costs $1, which can be cast at the 24/7 front desk.
Bredo said the money collected in votes is divided up equally among participants excluding the first, second and third winners as the hotel provides their winning prizes.
“Everyone puts a good heart into it,” Bredo said.
The trees are showcased throughout December.
One charity participating this year is Opio Kupuna Kakou, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to children and the elderly, allowing them to get involved in activities and programs in Kohala. Group member Kealoha Sugiyama was putting finishing touches on the tree, a coconut frond, Thursday morning.
Three woven baskets were attached to the frond. Sugiyama said he wanted to do a local theme.
“The best way is to fill our baskets and share with others,” he said.
Sugiyama has put a tree on display in the past. He said he wanted to participate this year because the event is fun and it’s about sharing.
“Everyone is a winner, whether you participate or come see the trees. It adds memories to the heart,” he said.
Frannie Pueo, founder and president of Hui Pono Holoholona, is also a past participant decorating a tree this year. Her organization helps people spay and neuter their animals at low to no cost.
Pueo said she likes participating in the Charity Trees event because it allows her to meet other nonprofit groups. As a 501(c)3, she said they cannot stand alone.
“It’s about camaraderie,” she said. “Each organization is unique and I feel honored to stand by them.”
Kessie Hollister was decorating a tree for Meet and Eat, a nonprofit that provides free meals for the hungry at Kealakehe Intermediate School every Wednesday.
Her tree bore Spam ornaments and small buildings, representing the groups that help to make the meals happen.
“The idea behind the tree is that it takes a village,” Hollister said.
Hollister said she wanted to participate so people know the organization exists.
“There’s a lot of children fed on Wednesday nights,” she said.
Hollister added she loves Christmas and trees.
Ranie Fukumoto, executive assistant to the managing director of the resort, said the event has grown as it continues to showcase nonprofit organizations on the Big Island.
“And it decorates our lobby,” Fukumoto said with a smile.
The hotel keeps nothing.
Last year, $5,107 was collected in votes. That money was divided among the 38 participating nonprofits. This year’s winners will be announced Dec. 22.
