Paint and Sip Fun at Waikoloa’s Kona Biscuit Company to Benefit Local Animal Rescues

There are some evenings that remind you just how special our little island community is.

Recently, the Hawaiʻi Life Charitable Fund (HLCF) had the privilege of hosting a Paint & Sip fundraiser at Kona Biscuit Company, bringing together neighbors, friends, animal lovers, and artists (or at least some enthusiastic beginners!) for an evening filled with good food, fun and laughs.

The event benefited two incredible Hawaiʻi Island nonprofits—Magical Creatures Sanctuary and Aloha ʻIlio—organizations that dedicate countless hours to giving animals a second chance and providing them with the love, care, and advocacy they deserve

From the moment guests walked through the doors at Kona Biscuit Company, there was an unmistakable feeling of aloha. It was amazing to see how a group of strangers came together and had fun. Everyone supported each other in their painting adventure. Paintbrushes were dipped, glasses were raised, conversations flowed, and before long, everyone had transformed a blank canvas into their own unique and creative masterpiece. Some paintings were gallery-worthy, others… let’s just say they were created with a whole lot of enthusiasm! Either way, every brushstroke helped make a difference.

One of my favorite things about events like this is that they remind us fundraising doesn’t always have to feel like fundraising. Sometimes the best way to support a great cause is simply by spending an evening together, sharing a meal, trying something new, and knowing your participation is helping organizations that work tirelessly behind the scenes.

A huge mahalo goes to Melanie at Kona Biscuit Company for generously hosting the event and creating such a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Their commitment to supporting our community goes far beyond serving amazing food—they consistently find ways to bring people together for meaningful causes, and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership and are looking forward to the next paint and sip tentatively scheduled for October. 

As Chair of the Hawaiʻi Life Charitable Fund, I am continually inspired by what can happen when people come together with generous hearts. The HLCF exists to preserve Hawaiʻi’s beauty and culture by supporting the people and organizations that strengthen our communities, and events like this are a wonderful example of that mission in action.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without our amazing volunteers, Kelli Jo Steiner, my amazing daughter Elissa who works at Kona Biscuit and joined forces with Flo, Amy, Tracy, and Chef Travis who all volunteered their time to make the event a success. Every contribution—large or small—helps local nonprofits continue the important work they do every single day.

Most importantly, mahalo to Magical Creatures Sanctuary and Aloha ʻIlio. Your compassion, dedication, and tireless work give vulnerable animals hope and brighter futures. We are honored to support your missions and grateful for everything you do for our island.

Watching a room full of people laugh, paint, and connect while knowing we were helping local animals was a wonderful reminder that kindness has a ripple effect. Sometimes all it takes is a paintbrush, a little creativity, great food and a community that cares.

Here’s to many more evenings where art meets aloha—and where giving back is just as rewarding as taking home the painting.

Mahalo to everyone who joined us. You helped prove once again that when our community comes together, beautiful things happen—for both people and animals.  

Please make sure to reach out if you would like to be added to the mailing list for more fundraising events!

See you at the next one!