From left, Mayor Alan Arakawa and his wife, Ann, and Richard and Pat Endsley attended the 2011 fundraiser.

LAHAINA – The Aina Nalu owners are planning a wine and silent auction fundraiser again for the Lahaina Complex After School Enrichment Tutor Project to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, in the beautiful Aina Nalu pavilion area.

The Aina Nalu fundraiser was held in 2011 and was praised by all who attended as a fun event that raised $16,000 for the tutoring program. This year’s goal is to raise $20,000-plus.

The mission of the Lahaina tutoring program is to help students in the four public schools of West Maui to increase literacy and comprehension in reading, writing, speaking, social studies, mathematics and creativity in their school studies, and in their everyday lives build self-confidence, self-esteem and leadership qualities.

Howard Ahia has graciously agreed to provide the entertainment again this year, and pupus and wine will be served at this silent auction event.

The Lahaina tutoring program helps many West Maui public school students and their families. There is no regular source of funding, and it has operated completely through volunteer efforts for the last 12 years!

Operating expenses include annual reproduction of curriculum for about 160 tutors and 270 students, bus service to the tutoring location and snacks for the students, incentive awards for attendance and homework, and other administrative costs. The Aina Nalu fundraiser is an important source of operational funds for the program to continue.

For tickets to the event ($50 each), to donate a silent auction item or make a financial contribution to the program, you can go to www.pfee.org or contact Barbara Potts at (808) 344-5008 or barb@alohapotts.com.