Whole Planet Foundation returns to live events with launch of inaugural benefit in Honolulu, Hawaii on June 24, 2022

So honored to support Whole Planet Foundation a Whole Foods Market non-profit, return to holding live events with the launch of an inaugural benefit in Hawaii on June 24, 2022 at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Oahu.

The benefit was produced by Planet LA Records and organized in partnership with Whole Foods Market Hawaii stores and Mana Up, Hawaii's leading accelerator and venture fund for Hawai?i-based products growing to markets globally. Mana Up showcased over twenty local brands in a marketplace with a portion of sales benefiting Whole Planet Foundation.

Whole Planet Foundation honored Andy Allo, star of Amazon's Upload show and Greg Louganis, four-time Olympic gold medalist diver and whose birth father is of Samoan origin, for their decade of support of Whole Planet Foundation events. The Foundation also honored me for over a decade of support including during the SXSW festival in Austin, Pre-Grammy parties in Los Angeles and other events.

The private benefit for about 200 invited guests began with a blessing by the Hawaiian cultural organization Hālau Mele and the arrival of celebrity guests including actors Amy Hill, Dustin Nguyen and special guests. Brook Lee a former Miss Universe served as the evening's emcee and had celebrities sign a Kala ukulele as a drawing prize. After the formal program and recognition of honorees, recording artists Justin Kawika Young and Kulāiwi performed.

The showcase was presented by Papyrus-Recycled Paper Greetings, Inc. and leading partners Bubbies Ice Cream, Mauna Loa and Health-Ade, along with sponsors ALOHA, Thaiwala, ALO Drink, Klean Kanteen, Mad Hippie and Natrave. Other event supporters include Burt’s Bees, Natural Vitality, Renew Life, Country Archer, ITO EN, Lifeway Kefir, PACT, The Republic of Tea, Seaweed Bath Co., Sennheiser and WishGarden Herbs. The inaugural benefit raised over $5,000 to support women and entrepreneurs in Polynesia and globally through microlending and poverty alleviation programs.

The marketplace of Mana Up and other brands featured Hawaiian products including including Kō Hana Rum which hosted a cocktail bar along with Pono Potions, Sea Salts of Hawai‘i, Mānoa Chocolate, Tag Aloha Co which manufactures tote bags and items for Whole Foods Market, Big Island Coffee Roasters, Vitalitea Hawai‘i, Kapa Nui Nails, ‘Ulu Mana, Utara Organics, Meli Wrap and more. Many of these brands are sold in Whole Foods Market stores in Hawaii and have great potential to expand their retail distribution.

Other Hawaiian brands including Mauna Loa, Bubbies, Maui Brewing Co, Shaka Tea, Manoa Honey & Mead, CocoJava Hawaii and Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Water featured their products during the event.

The celebration was held on a beautiful evening and start to Summer in Hawaii and hopefully will continue to grow naturally like previous initiatives supporting Whole Planet Foundation and their impactful work empowering women and entrepreneurs globally.