The Pacific Cancer Foundation was founded in 2004 by a group of concerned health care professionals and cancer survivors.

The group’s mission is to provide access, knowledge and support to all whose lives are touched by cancer in Maui County.

This is achieved through facilitating access to innovative treatments, clinical trials, specialists and optimal care; providing up-to-date information, an extensive library and resources for those in need; and offering free classes, support groups and events to raise awareness and inspire the community.

“They provide many things that previously fell through the cracks on Maui and were missing to those that were in need of them,” noted Dave Hanken.

West Siders can support this important charity at the third annual Pacific Cancer Foundation Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 27, from noon to 5:30 p.m. at Wainee Park behind Lahaina Aquatic Center and the West Maui Skate Park.

There will be live music donated by Visibly Shaken, Maui Pranksters, Nuff Sedd, Sounds of Addiction and Marty Dread; grinds by local food vendors Iron Imu, Outrigger Pizza and Donna’s Dogs; Kona Shave Ice; a silent auction; and beer garden featuring donated brews from assorted craft breweries.

“There will be a variety of fun things for the whole family,” explained Hanken, the benefit’s coordinator and member of The Friends of The Oktoberfest, volunteers that organize the event for the Pacific Cancer Foundation each year.

“The idea for the Oktoberfest was to bring great donated craft beer to Maui that is usually not available here… to donate all of the proceeds to the Pacific Cancer Foundation – an organization that touches every family on Maui – and to make it a family, community type of event we can look forward to every year on the West Side.”

Admission to Oktoberfest is $7 (free for kids under 12). For more information, e-mail mauipcfoktoberfest@gmail.com.

Hanken emphasized that everything about the event is 100 percent volunteer-run and donated, and “100 percent of all proceeds go to the community of Maui County.

“The Pacific Cancer Foundation’s operating budget is 100 percent from donations, and every dollar raised helps someone else in Maui County. We would ask that you come out and support this community event and help us to celebrate this year’s Oktoberfest.”