So much has changed since Covid derailed the 2020 event plans! We have decided to extend our beneficiaries into 2022 and 2023 events. See the details from the original post!
In addition to providing valuable education for local cacao farmers, the Big Island Chocolate Festival is a fundraiser for local non-profit organizations. Collectively, we have donated over $140,000 dollars thus far to local beneficiaries in the 8 years we have been doing this!
This years beneficiaries will be represented at the gala on May 14, 2022 and TBD 2023 Dates:
American Culinary Federation, Kona Kohala Chefs Association (www.konakohalachefs.org): The ACF Kona Kohala Chefs Association members are industry leaders committed to culinary enrichments through professional development and education in our community. There are more than 50 chapter members, plus a College Junior Chef Chapter and a High School Junior Chef Chapter. The group includes food service professionals, vendors and growers. The ACF Kona Kohala Chefs Association is a part of the American Culinary Federation.
Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture (HIP Ag) (www.hipagriculture.org): The mission of HIP Ag is to practice and teach ecologically conscious agriculture, empowering individuals and communities to cultivate alternative systems of living that restore human and environmental health. HIP Agriculture is a growing community that cultivates a diverse collection of Polynesian crops and operates as an educational site offering sustainable agriculture courses, youth programming, community workshops and events.
Kona Dance & Performing Arts (www.konadanceandperformingarts.org): Kona Dance & Performing Arts strives to provide high quality instruction and education in dance and performing arts to the local youth and the Big Island community. Classes range from ballet to Hip-Hop, and feature adult dance classes as well.
UH Maui College / Culinary Arts Program (http://maui.hawaii.edu/culinary/): The University of Hawai‘i Maui College inspires students to develop knowledge and skills in pursuit of academic, career, and personal goals in a supportive educational environment that emphasizes community engagement, life long learning, sustainable living, Native Hawaiian culture, and global understanding. Our charge is to prepare our students for success in life and career by providing them the foundational skills of our profession. We hope to inspire our students to celebrate the diversity of food and cultures throughout the world and elevate their knowledge and appreciation of culinary arts.
Big Island Music Academy (bigislandmusicacademy.org): The Big Island Music Academy is in its eighth year of operation and continues to serve
the community with its high level music education tailored to meet students’ individual needs. Through instrumental ensembles and vocal classes, students ages 10 and up are able to pursue their passion in music, work with professionals in their area of study, and perform for the community at a variety of festivals, stages and events, spreading the beauty, fortitude and resilience of the next generation throughout the community. BIMA aligns with the ideals of the Big Island Chocolate Festival in that it promotes healthy living, healthy education opportunities and healthy expression for Big Island children.
Keahole Center for Sustainability (https://kcshi.org/): A nonprofit, charitable organization whose goal is to educate the public about sustainable technologies in renewable energy, energy efficiency, food security, water, and health, with a focus on Hawaii and the technologies demonstrated at NELHA. NELHA (Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority) is a state-operated ocean science and technology park at Keahole Point that supports economic diversity and sustainable development for the State of Hawaii. NELHA is recognized worldwide as a unique and innovative ocean research, business, and technology park. They offer both virtual and physical tours showcasing the development of renewable energy resources and uses of cold deep seawater and warm surface sea water in innovative aquaculture and mariculture activities and much more.
For tickets, room packages, or to make a donation, click HERE.