Honolulu Weekly

Here in Hawaii, where cultural values like ‘ohana are held on such a high pedestal, it’s difficult to comprehend how there could be an average of at least one domestic violence related death every month. In 2008 alone there were over 4,500 domestic abuse protective orders filed here in Hawaii. Domestic abuse in Hawaii has gotten so bad that between one-third and one-half of police work time is spent tending to domestic violence calls. Even worse, according to a 2008 National Census of Domestic Violence services, many of the programs in Hawaii, which were designed to help victims of domestic violence, are critically short of necessary funds and staff.

Although statistics like these may put some in despair, others take action to help out our sisters (and brothers) in need. One prime example is the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation, which has been hosting an annual fundraising event for survivors of domestic violence since 1999. This event, known as the Celebration of Smiles, is a small part of the larger Give Back A Smile program, which has provided much needed and much appreciated dental work to over 720 survivors of domestic violence.

If spending a Thursday evening at Level 4 selflessly donating to a worthy charity isn’t enough for you, then the gourmet Hawaiian cuisine, provided by Legend Seafood and cooked by seven highly acclaimed chefs should be enough to entice you. If not, the lovely Brooke Burns from Baywatch Hawaii will also be there to meet and greet the attendees. Also, keeping the party rolling will be popular Hawaiian radio personality Rick Hamada, who will emcee the entire event. So come down to Level 4, eat some great food, meet some cool people, have a blast and do it all in the name of charity.