The Cameron Center’s Cesar Gaxiola (executive director), Teri Freitas Gorman (board member), Gladys Baisa (board member) and Brian Klaschka (event chair) are ready for the Halloween Gala.

WAILUKU — The J. Walter Cameron Center’s 2009 Gala Fund-raiser, “A Halloween Spooktacular,” is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Wailea Marriott Resort & Spa.

The gala dinner will feature a costume ball for adults with a nearby Haunted Keiki Fun House and Keiki Care for children.

Mayor Charmaine Tavares and Mercer “Chubby” Vicens are serving as honorary chairpersons. They will be assisted by event Chairperson Brian Klaschka. 

The gala will honor a “Legacy of Community Service” by longtime Cameron Center Board Members Lawrence (Larry) C. Ing, Dr. Fumio Tsuji, Jyl Cameron and Maria Unemori. 

“These awardees have generously given so much of their time, talent and expertise to our community through the J. Walter Cameron Center,” said Clyde Murashige, chairman of the board.

“We know that their many friends and admirers will come out to support them and the event in any way they can.”

Much like the Cameron Center itself, “A Halloween Spooktacular” is designed with the entire family in mind.

Adults will enjoy the costume ball featuring surprise “name” entertainment by some of the community’s most recognizable faces, a delectable dinner, silent and live auctions and dancing to the sounds of Jimmy Mac and the Kool Kats. 

Downstairs, the Keiki Haunted Fun House will offer tricks or treats and spooky fun for keiki under 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. Keiki Care will be offered from 6 to 10:30 p.m.  Supervised by certified childcare providers, kids will enjoy their own dinner, beverages, activities and themed entertainment while parents party on upstairs.

“By providing a special kids’ event nearby, parents can relax and enjoy themselves knowing their little ghosts and goblins are in good hands,” explained Klaschka.

The Wailea Marriott Resort & Spa is the official venue sponsor, providing extensive support for the event. 

“This event would not be possible without generosity of Bill Countryman, general manager of the Wailea Marriott Resort & Spa, and the support of his entire staff. They are going above and beyond to make this fund-raiser a grand success for everyone,” said Klaschka. 

“Their community spirit will make this an unforgettable event.” 

The resort has offered a Spooktacular $99 room rate (plus applicable taxes) for guests who attend the event to make it an affordable, family fun Wailea weekend.  Tickets are on sale for $125. The Keiki Haunted Fun House is $10 for keiki ages 4-12, and Keiki Care services will be offered for adults attending the main event at $25 per keiki (4-12 years). 

“People are thrilled to hear about a safe, fun Halloween event for everyone in the family. We encourage folks to purchase their tickets now, as we expect a full house,” cautioned Klaschka.

“Space is limited and we have already sold a number of tables.”

Sponsorship opportunities, beginning at $1,250, include many value-added components. For more information regarding sponsorship, tickets, volunteer opportunities and other ways to support the Cameron Center, contact Toni Rojas at 344-8880 or toni@tonirojas.com.

The Cameron Center is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization located in Wailuku. Its mission is to provide program and administrative space to nonprofit organizations that supply health, education and human services to Maui residents.