A Runway for Opportunity

Photo: Courtesy of Aloha United Way.

Aloha United Way Women United’s Chocolate, Champagne and Couture For-A-Cause fundraising event brings together hundreds of women for a single purpose — to empower and uplift women in our community. “The feeling in the room is unlike anything you’ll experience. There is so much wāhine power at the event, and it’s beautiful to watch women help one another,” said Emmaly Calibraro, Aloha United Way Vice President of Resource Development & Donor Relations.

In its 8th year, C4 — as it’s fondly referred to — has grown from its humble beginnings. Women United members and community supporters have grown the event, audience, and impact significantly over the last decade. This year, fashion powerhouse Neiman Marcus will once again produce a runway show to rival NY Fashion Week. The world-class 30+ minute show will feature stunning fashion for women and men on an astonishing 80-foot runway.

Photo: Courtesy of Aloha United Way.

Hawaiian Host, this year’s chocolate sponsor, will add delightful sweetness to the event; attendees will experience some specialty items from the local company. “Ladies will be engaged at every turn. From photo back-drops and glamour stations to silent and live auction opportunities, it’s a feast for the eyes, hands, and heart,” said Michelle Stofle, Women United Board Member and Event Co-Chair. Alaska Airlines, a repeat Title Sponsor of the event, is providing first class ticket travel packages — elevating the auction skyward. BMW of Honolulu, for the 2nd year in a row, will present a chance to drive off in a new BMW.

Women United is serious about their mission to empower women and the event bends heads to think about the state of women and children in our community. In 2022 alone, $75,000 was awarded to nonprofit organizations and initiatives focused on women and children. “The funds raised are granted to critical organizations serving our community’s most vulnerable but necessary citizens for a stronger and more resilient Hawaiʻi. What a joy it is to create fun and fabulousness — all with a higher purpose to show love to our ʻohana at large,” said Unyong Nakata, Women United Board Member and Event Co-Chair.

Photo: Courtesy of Aloha United Way.

2022 Grant Recipients included:

• Holohuma Na Wahine Program, at the Institute for Human Services, empowering female staff to strengthen economic mobility through continuing education.
• Hale Wahine Fund, at the Domestic Violence Action Center
• Waimānalo Health Center to improve access to mobile nutrition services and support food security for women and children living in rural areas.
• AUW ALICE Fund, contributing to greater financial stability for ALICE Households.

Chocolate, Champagne, and Couture-For-A-Cause tickets and tables sell quickly, but there are always ample opportunities to support the AUW Women United mission and support the group’s efforts. Visit their website for more information or email womenunited@auw.org for more information.

Chocolate, Champagne, and Couture-For-A-Cause will take place on March 4, 2023, at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.

This year’s event is brought to you by Women United title sponsors Alaska Airlines, Neiman Marcus, and The Queen’s Health Systems, with event hosts HONOLULU Magazine, BMW of Honolulu, Hawaiian Host Group, and Johnson Brothers of Hawaii.