Nearly 200 wounded warrior and their families attended a morning of fun, food and music on April 16 at the Hale Koa Hotel’s Luau Grounds. More than 50 kids enjoyed pre-meal activities, including basket decorating, “meet the birds,” tattoos, arts and crafts and even a magic show. A delicious buffet brunch featuring pastries, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, chicken piccata, green beans and more was served by the culinary team at Hale Koa Hotel, with background music by the talented bc band. Even the kids had their own “keiki buffet,” with kids’ favorites like tater tots, chicken strips and pancakes. An amazing magic show kept the audience in awe during the brunch. Lots of lucky ticket door prizes were given out, including a 32” television set, gift cards, Cookie Corner cookie tins, and crocheted Afghans.
And then, the mayhem began as the kids descended on the luau garden to collect more than 900 eggs. There was a rush to find the golden eggs, which presented an opportunity for special prizes for the lucky finders. After all the eggs found their way into baskets, the kids participated in a fun egg relay race. Luckily, no one dropped their egg! Finally, kids could pick out treats (candy, cookies, stuffed animals, etc.) from a treat table, and then go on to a prize table. After the golden egg winners picked out their prizes, all the kids could select a special item from the table, which included blankets, games, puzzles, bubble bottles, Play-Doh, craft kits and much more. The families left with great memories of a fun-filled morning.
A huge mahalo to WWO Board Member Kathy Nirei, advisor of the ‘Iolani Raiders for Wounded Warriors, and her 11 student volunteers who orchestrated the event: Caitlyn Niiya '22 (co-president), Jacey Niiya '22 (co-president), Isabelle Takane '22, Evan Pan '22 (aka Easter Bunny), Mia Kim '22, David Lin '22, Ylang Guo '23, Connor Tessaro '24, Luca Pastor '24, Rylee Kido '25 and Satomi Lakin '25. Also, mahalo to the fabulous magicians who entertained the crowd: Michael Wong, Alyssa Kimura ‘22 and James Lee.
Also helping out at the event were Myles Nirei, Elisa & Ryan Adachi, Marge Awana and WWO Board Members Helen Gibson Ahn, Gene Peles, Matt McCarville and Steve Jensen.
Mahalo to Hawaii News Now for covering the event on the evening newscasts. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2022/04/17/easter-tradition-returns-help-wounded-warriors-with-healing/
And lastly, mahalo to David Livingston for capturing the hundreds of wonderful photos.
Even the parents helped out with Easter basket decorating.
So many tattoos to choose from, so little time!
Who’s that man with the big camera!
WWO Board Member and ‘Iolani Raiders for Wounded Warriors Advisor Kathy Nirei with fellow ‘Iolani Faculty Member Jen Chen
One of our attendees throws a wink to our photographer.
Having fun coloring all the Easter artwork.
The bc band: Robert, Charlie and Steve, provided great music for brunch.
‘Iolani Raiders for Wounded Warriors Co-President Caitlin Niiya welcomes the crowd.
The exotic birds were a photo-op hit.
The prize table with so many treasures.
Dressed in their Sunday finest!
The magic show kept the audience amazed!
The magicians encouraged audience participation.
Ready! Set! Go!
More than 900 eggs were “hidden.”
Carefully holding her egg during the relay.
The kids could pick from all kinds of treats and toys.
WWO President Dick Rankin and the ‘Iolani Raiders for Wounded Warriors with some feathered friends.
