North Shore NewsTickets are now on sale for the 11th Dole Plantation Benefit Luau for the Waialua High & Intermediate School Robotics Program. All proceeds from the event, scheduled for Thursday, May 10 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., will support the team’s travel to competitions across the world.
Individual luau tickets are $45. They are available for sale through May 9 (or while supplies last) at Dole Plantation. Tickets may also be purchased through robotics team members or by contacting Waialua High & Intermediate School’s director Glenn Lee at 637.8292.
Castle & Cooke Properties, Inc.’s Dole Plantation began organizing a luau fundraiser on behalf of the Waialua Robotics program in 2007. Over the past decade since that first luau, the company has presented $100,000 to the team.
Each year, the Waialua robotics team qualifies for competitions around the world, but raising funds for travel is a
continuous challenge. Dole Plantation initially conceived of the robotics luau as a benefit to support travel to these critical competitions.
The Waialua team was Hawaii’s first robotics-related program when it was founded 19 years ago – and it has become an award-winning international leader that was selected for the FIRST Robotics Competition “Hall of Fame” Chairman’s Award in 2011 under the guidance of Lee, Waialua High teacher and lead coordinator for the team.
“The Dole Plantation luau is the most important community event that our team participates in each year,” explains Lee. “Without the generous and consistent support that we receive from the fundraiser, our team would not be able to compete worldwide, which allows our students an unparalleled opportunity to participate in science, technology, engineering and math-related activities.”
“Winning is just a by-product of the Waialua Robotics’ focus on teamwork, commitment and responsibility,” says Mike Moon, director of operations for Dole Plantation. “This amazing program has become an institution and a pathway to a bright future for kids from this community, and we are proud to support Waialua Robotics by hosting this benefit.”
The luau fundraiser will feature Hawaiian food, a silent auction and a live performance by Na Hoku Hanohano Award-nominated ManoaDNA. A highlight is sure to be the demonstration of robotic technology by the Waialua team.