Jesse Sapolu Book Signing & Auction to Benefit the Hawaii Island United Way

Four-time San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl champion, Jesse Sapolu, will be signing copies of his new book, “I Gave My Heart to San Francisco” at Cronies Bar & Grill in Hilo on Tuesday, December 4, 2012, from 4:30-7:00pm.

In his recently released book, the former Farrington High School and University of Hawaii-Manoa football standout who spent his entire 15 year NFL career in a San Francisco 49ers uniform, details the highlights and hardships of his remarkable playing career.

Sapolu triumphed on the field despite having a dangerous heart condition, a torn aortic heart valve, that stayed with him during his 15-year career which included nine appearances in the NFC title game, four Super Bowl rings, two Pro Bowl appearances and two All-Pro selections.

Emcee for the evening will be B-97 Radio Morning Personality, Darrin “DC” Carlson. At around 6:30pm, Jesse and DC will auction off San Francisco 49ers merchandise with proceeds going to the Hawaii Island United Way. Items to be auctioned off include a grand prize package including tickets for two to a 49ers football game, pre-game field passes and tailgate party with Jesse!

Other activities during the book-signing include a silent auction and door prizes. The first 50 attendees will receive an autographed photo of Jesse. Proceeds from the auctions will benefit the Hawaii Island United Way. The NFL is a strong supporting partner of the United Way movement across the United States.

Roman Sapolu

Football fans of all ages are invited to come and meet and talk story with Jesse. Sapolu’s youngest son, Roman, is a sophomore center at Oregon State University. For information, go to www.hiuw.org.

Hawaii Island Chefs Gather to Support more than 53 Local Causes – An Evening in Paradise

Don’t miss one of the biggest culinary fundraising extravaganzas of the year, the aptly titled, “An Evening in Paradise” benefiting the Hawaii Island United Way this Saturday, July 14 2012 from 6-8.30pm at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows’ Hale Hoaloha Pavilion.

This ‘foodies paradise’ will feature signature dishes from more than 23 Hawaii Island chefs, including the culinary team from the event hosts, the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, and from restaurants such as Roy’s, Sam Choy’s, Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Tommy Bahamas, Huggos, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and many, many more.

Hawaii Island United Way is hoping Evening in Paradise will raise significant monies contributing to its year-round fundraising programs that support more than 53 crucial health and human service programs on the island. Ninety eight percent of all dollars raised on Hawaii Island, stay on Hawaii Island .

Expect to enjoy plenty of fresh island seafood, beef from local ranchers and the best and freshest produce available from numerous Hawaii Island farmers in this energetic festival-like setting.  Sweet tooths will be satisfied with desserts including mochi pudding cake, Lilikoi float and sugar cookies with Dulce de Leche.

A range of local food and beverage purveyors will also be joining in on the occasion including Mountain Thunder Coffee, Big Island Delights, Kona Brewing Company, Juice 101 and Young’s Market, who will be serving up a Ty Ku Coconut Sake Cocktail “Coconut Colada” and Grey Goose “Greyhound” Cocktail.

While dining and imbibing soak up the entertainment from Hilo ’s Ol’ School band, playing favorites from the 60s, 70s and 80s plus contemporary Hawaiian, rock, blues and country.

Outgoing President & Chief Professional Officer (CPO) of Hawaii Island United Way , Darla DeVille and incoming President and CPO Jeanine Atebara state that the mission of the organization is to “unite people, organizations and resources to build a healthier community”. Both agree that what better way to live united than to raise funds and awareness in an atmosphere that promotes the spirit of aloha.

WHAT:            An Evening in Paradise benefiting Hawaii Island United Way

WHEN:            Saturday, July 14, 2012, 6 – 8:30 pm

WHERE:           The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, Hale Hoaloha Pavilion

WHO:              Hawaii Island’s finest chefs and gourmet food purveyors

COST:              Adults $85 (12 and older), Children $50 (5-11 years)

TICKETS           Available from Hawaii Island United Way at 935-6393 or at KTA Super Stores, Waikoloa Village Market, First Hawaiian Bank and Bank of Hawaii .

About Hawaii Island United Way

The mission of the Hawaii Island United Way is to unite people, organizations, and resources to build a healthier community. No other non-profit involves as many Big Island residents as HIUW, both in giving and receiving help.

The work of HIUW helps deliver services to the following local organizations: Alahou Clean & Sober, Aloha Council, Boy Scouts of America, American Heart Association, Hawaii County, Integrated Heart and Stroke Initiatives, American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter, Arc of Hilo, Arc of Kona, Bay Clinic, Inc, Big Island Substance Abuse Council, Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island, Brantley Center, Inc, Bridge House, Inc, Child & Family Service, Domestic Abuse Shelter – West Hawaii, Care Resource Hawaii, Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawaii, Family Support Services of West Hawaii, Food Basket, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii, Girl Scouts of Hawaii, Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii, Inc, Hale Aloha O Hilo Habitat for Humanity, Inc, Hawaii Island Adult Care, Inc, Hawaii Island HIV/ AIDS Foundation, Hawaii Island Home for Recovery, Inc, Hospice of Hilo, Hospice of Kona, Island of Hawai`i YMCA, Kona Adult Day Center, Ku`ikahi Mediation Center, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, Mental Health Kokua, Neighborhood Place of Puna, North Hawaii Hospice, Office for Social Ministry, PATCH (People Attentive to Children), Salvation Army, Hilo Temple Corps, Salvation Army, Kona Corps, West Hawaii Mediation Center and YWCA of Hawaii Island.

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is recognized as one of the world’s premier eco-friendly resorts and one of the  Islands ’ leading destinations for a Hawaiian cultural vacation.  Preserving and sharing the history and culture of Hawaii is a huge part of the Mauna Lani Bay experience, led by the resort’s Director of Cultural Affairs, Daniel “Kaniela” Akaka, Jr, who is also a respected kahu, teacher, musician, storyteller, explorer and preservationist.  Mauna Lani’s famous golf courses, the Francis H. I’i Brown North & South Courses, named in honor of the former Mauna Lani landowner and champion Hawaii golfer, offer breathtaking scenery, unforgettable signature holes and cutting-edge course design built around ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, trails and fishponds.

The award-winning Mauna Lani Spa resembles a traditional Hawaiian village with thatched hales (huts) for treatments. It is the only spa in Hawaii to offer natural Lava Saunas and the Lava Watsu Experience set within a lava tube.  The resort’s signature restaurant, CanoeHouse, is consistently ranked as one of Hawaii ’s best restaurants for its commitment to farm to table cuisine and bold, imaginative flavors using simple, high quality ingredients.

Mauna Lani Bay is establishing its reputation as a popular health, fitness and outdoor lifestyle retreat partnering with international pro triathletes and a local stand up paddling champion.

The resort is committed to delivering aloha in everything it does by extending complimentary programs and services to its guests that go beyond the norm.

Mauna Lani Bay has maintained its original owners since opening in 1983 and is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group recognizing the world’s best independent luxury hotels and resorts.  For reservations call (800) 367-2323 or visit www.maunalani.com .