Attendees at this year’s Ke Alahele Education Fund Benefit Dinner & Auction will enjoy a myriad of STEM-inspired activities.

KIHEI – “Pathways to our Future,” an annual benefit dinner for the Maui Economic Development Board Ke Alahele Education Fund, returns on Saturday, Aug. 29. Held at The Fairmont Kea Lani Resort in Wailea, this year’s event will spotlight Maui County’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) stars while raising needed funds for STEM programs in our community.

A reception and silent auction will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a live auction at 6:30 p.m.

“We are very pleased that Mayor Alan Arakawa and his wife, Ann, and Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui and his wife, Lyndelle, are this year’s ‘Distinguished Educators’ and will share in the festivities,” said Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) President and CEO Jeanne Unemori Skog.

“Also, having Kanoa Leahey as our emcee promises to help make this dinner a lively evening.”

During this year’s event, fund grantees will share the outcomes of the community’s investments in their STEM projects.

The popular “Apples for Education” silent and live auctions will offer a bevy of items on which guests can bid. MEDB will also announce the 2015 honoree of the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award, who demonstrates the most innovative use of STEM tools and capabilities to serve and improve the community.

This past school year, the MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund awarded grants totaling more than $183,000 to over 25 Maui County schools and organizations.

Funds enabled robotics teams to compete on Maui, Oahu and even the Mainland; equipped digital media labs and engineering technology programs with the latest tools, software and training; prepared students for going head-to-head with national digital media peers; empowered students to map our island’s coral reefs and explore our solar system; and helped to expand STEM curriculums in our schools.

Various sponsorship opportunities are available. Event tickets are $175 per person. Proceeds will help to advance STEM education for youth in Maui County and the state.

“Thanks to generous businesses and other community stakeholders, we have touched thousands of students,” said Skog. “Donors send a clear message to our students of the importance of preparing for careers in STEM.”

For reservations and information, contact Maui Economic Development Board at 875-2300 or visit www.medb.org.