Big Brothers Big Sisters Broward – An Enchanted Evening at “MAHALO at the Mai-Kai”

An Enchanted Evening at “MAHALO at the Mai-Kai” a BIG Success for Broward County

$30,000 Raised for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward

On Monday, August 29^th the iconic doors of the Mai-Kai opened to host the first annual MAHALO at Mai-Kai, a benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. The event sponsored by Ultimate Software and Republic National Distributing Company brought together more than 200 guests to experience the legendary Mai-Kai, the Tiki culture and a trip to the sights and sound of the South Pacific.

The evening began as each guest entered the Molokai Bar welcomed by staff and guests were draped with a traditional Kukui Nut Leis from Hawaii a symbol of light and peace, followed by the famous tropical welcome drink the Mai-Tai courtesy of Brugal Rum. The Molokai, designed as a turn-of-the-century seaport saloon, features specialty rum drinks, lighting from ships’ lanterns enhance the intimate and friendly atmosphere. And who doesn’t love the water cascading over the windows.

Guest entered the four themed main rooms for a fabulous three course dinner and a tasting flight offering of 3 of the most iconic tropical drinks, the Mai-Kai Special, Shark Bite and Cobra’s Kiss were served in commemorative Mahalo tasting glasses, all blended with Brugal Rums.  During dinner guests adorned in their Tiki and Tropical best vied for 4 awards ranging from Best Centerpiece, Polynesian Spirit to Best Dancer.

While the costumes, style décor and accents, tiki gardens, waterfalls and tropical drinks and South Seas inspired dishes put the guests in the Polynesian state of mind, putting everything over the top were the professional musicians and performers that, in a 90-minute show, that dazzled the guests with variations of Polynesian songs and dances, culminating the in the breathtaking Samoan Fire Knife dance.

At the end of the evening the award winners were announced by Ana Cedeno and Board Chairman Doug Jones.

Most Spirit – Comcast

Best Decorated Table – Gale Butler and friends

Best Centerpiece – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Best Costumes – Van Horn Law Group

Best Polynesian Dancer – Chad Van Horn

The funds raised at Mahalo at Mai-Kai will help create, manage and sustain mentoring relationships in Broward County. Top sponsors of this year’s Mahalo at Mai-Kai included: Title sponsor, Ultimate Software, Republic National Distributors, Brugal Rum, Comcast, Wells Fargo, Van Horn Law Group, Print Corporation of America, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Sixth Star Entertainment, Bahia Mar Beach Resort, Bank of America, S.C.G. & Associates, as well as many community partners, friends, and board members.

Board Chair Doug Jones said, “We are so grateful to our new partnership with the Mai-Kai restaurant and the Mai-Kai family for investing in Big Brothers Big Sisters and the future of our community by contributing to a child’s lifelong success. Mahalo means Thank You in the Hawaiian and apropos as tonight we wanted to say “Mahalo” to our community for supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters. We hope to make next year’s Mahalo at Mai-Kai an even bigger success with new exciting surprises and raise even more money for the organization.”

About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s largest donor-driven, volunteer-supported organization that changes the lives the children, teens and young adults. Its foundational belief is that every child has the inherent ability to succeed and thrive. By fostering one-to-one mentoring relationships, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County increases the odds of a child academically achieving, avoiding drugs and alcohol and strengthening their family.

Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are in low-income households with a single parent or have an incarcerated parent. Meaningful relationships, ongoing evaluation and professional support provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to positively impact youth and the community. Studies show that adults mentored as children through Big Brothers Big Sisters are more likely to earn a four-year college degree, take part in strong personal relationships and give back to their community. Learn how you can change a child’s life, donate or volunteer at www.bbbsbroward.org.

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