Fundraiser Pairs Wine With Networking

on February 23, 2015 at 1:39 pm

University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Shidler College of Business Alumni Association hosts its 15th annual Executive Vineyards wine-tasting fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. March 5 at The Royal Hawaiian hotel’s Monarch Room.

To date, it remains the largest fundraiser for the association, with proceeds supporting programs at the college. Many young people ask the question of why is it important to give back to the community and by attending these events, they are answering that question themselves.

: Hundreds attended last year’s fundraiser

: Numerous silent auction items will be up for bid

: Wine, courtesy of Southern Wine & Spirits and Beverage Marketing & More will be available PHOTOS COURTESY UH SHIDLER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Hundreds of wines from Southern Europe will be available for sampling (thanks to donations from Southern Wine & Spirits and Beverage Marketing & More), as well as a craft beer station.

A number of local food and drink vendors will offer tasty treats, and a silent auction also is planned, where attendees can peruse dining certificates, travel vouchers, art, entertainment and more for a good cause.

Numerous business professionals and top executives are expected to attend – making the fundraiser the perfect environment for networking. Plus, it’s all set against the ballroom’s backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head.

“The most significant difference in doing business in Hawaii is the emphasis on relationships,” says Maile Au, director of alumni relations. “Hawaii is a big, but very small town with many circles that overlap. A key to success in doing business in Hawaii is long-term relationships, which sometimes also means that things can move a bit slower as you spend time to nurture a relationship.”

Shidler’s Alumni Association was formed in 1997 and “offers its members exclusive benefits such as invitations to professional development seminars, social events and networking opportunities.” Its goal is to support the mission of Shidler College of Business and connect its alumni around the globe.

Proceeds from Executive Vineyards directly benefit Shidler College of Business’ facilities and students. The association’s recent donation sent $100,000 over the next five years to University of Hawaii’s Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship.

“The alumni association feels that PACE is an important part of the university as a whole, not only Shidler College of Business,” says Au.

Cost for Executive Vineyards is $100 by Feb. 28, or $125 at the door.

For more information, visit shidler.hawaii.edu/alumni/association or call 956-3263. Tickets are available online at shidler.hawaii.edu/executivevineyards, where sponsorship information also can be obtained.

FOOD FROM…

• The Royal Hawaiian hotel
• MW Restaurant
• Morimoto Waikiki
• Hy’s Steak House
• HASR Bistro
• Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
• Honolulu Coffee Company