SWEET DREAMS

Fundraiser to benefit UCPAHI

By Simplicio Paragas

What started out as a birthday celebration has grown into a major fund-raiser that has experienced some sweet success over two decades. It’ll be a sugar rush for sure when “Dessert Fantasy” is held Sunday, Nov. 4 at the Pacific Beach Hotel.

An annual fundraiser for the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii, the event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., and will showcase all things, well, sweet.  Tickets cost $25.

“We started this event to celebrate United Cerebral Palsy’s 30th birthday in Hawaii in 1989,” says United Cerebral Palsy Association executive director Donna Fouts.  “People brought cakes and desserts, and it was such a success that someone suggested that we use it as a fundraiser the following year.”

Helping raise on average $25,000 for cerebral palsy programs, the event will showcase at least 50 vendors, each providing their own little sweet temptation. Dessert fans will indeed be in a euphoric sugar haze when they sample an assortment of different cakes, torts, pies, cupcakes and ice cream.

Locally, the United Cerebral Palsy Association offers various support programs, including early intervention for keiki, public health, ongoing needs for adults and a recreational component that integrates cerebral palsy clients back into the community.

“There’s no cure for CP,” Fouts asserted. “The disease affects speech and muscle movement. All the lights are on upstairs but the body isn’t responding to what the brain is telling it to do.”

At the end of the event, people can pick up a $5 or $10 bento box and cram it full with whatever dessert is still available.

“One of the great things about this event is its long rippling after effect,” Fouts says. “It brings community awareness about CP and people will make contributions afterwards. In this economy, every little bit helps.”

For tickets, call 532-6744 or visit ucpahi.org.