On October 20, 2018, ʻŌlelo Community Media hosted our annual Client and Volunteer Appreciation Party. This event celebrated the hard work and dedication of the outstanding video producers, technicians, volunteers, and supporters.
The event was held at the Pearl Country Club. As guests arrived, they were given the opportunity to participate in a Free Speech Selfie Station in anticipation of Free Speech Week (October 22-28, 2018). While posing with signs, participants would then post their selfies onto social media using the hashtag #FreeSpeechOlelo. Participation in this photo booth was high as many of our clients and volunteers strongly support our constitution’s First Amendment and the power of free speech.
Throughout the evening, guests were treated with live music by Mahiehie and hula by hālau nā mamo o puʻuanahulu. 
Our three cake designs: one celebrating 29 years of service to the community, one big MAHALO cake, and one cake featuring “Thank you” translated into multiple languages.
Colonel Will Haynes giving a toast to free speech.
At the end of the formal program, each Media Service Center (MSC) Manager honored one stand-out volunteer from each of of their centers. Pictured below from top to bottom, left to right: Kaimukī MSC Manager Kekoa Graham & volunteer Stacey Bow, Māpunapuna MSC Manager Kuʻuipo Rossiter & volunteer Rylee Brooke Kamahele, Kāneʻohe MSC Manager Donna Ylen & volunteer Donovan Smith, Wahiawā MSC Manager Jonette Buza & volunteer Herman Kiʻili, Nānākuli MSC Manager Jimbo Taylor & volunteer Jaylee Canoy, and Waipahu MSC Manager & volunteer Nadine Castillo. Each honored volunteer was given a commemorative coin as a token of ʻŌlelo’s appreciation.
The final event of the night was the awarding of the grand prize: a round trip for two courtesy of Alaska Airlines. The winner of the grand prize drawing was Mr. Donovan Smith!
Mahalo to all of our clients and volunteers, new and old, who have worked tirelessly to help ‘Ōlelo empower the voices of the community.