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  • Japanese Chamber of Commerce group photo

At a mahalo luncheon on February 28, members of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai‘i presented a check for $10,000 to Hawai‘i Community College. The generous donation was made using proceeds from the 19th Annual “A Taste of Hilo” that took place in October 2017.

"It has been an honor to be part of this Hilo tradition for 19 years" said Hawai'i Community College Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas. "Not only do our students benefit from the proceeds of A Taste of Hilo, but they also gain experience by working with the vendors and organizers during the event. Mahalo to the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai'i for their continued support."

The donation continues JCCIH’s long tradition of supporting Hawai‘i CC. Since the fund was created with UH Foundation in 1999, JCCIH has donated $136,516. This allows Hawai‘i CC to provide student scholarships, program improvements, college-wide benefits, and faculty and staff development opportunities.

The mahalo luncheon was held at Hawai‘i CC’s Bamboo Hale fine dining restaurant where attendees enjoyed a meal prepared by Culinary Arts students.

A Taste of Hilo has become a local tradition that showcases more than dozens of the island’s tastemakers and beverage purveyors each year. Attendees enjoy sweet and savory delights created by chefs, restaurants and patisseries, and sample locally crafted beer, wine and sake. Each year, a different local ingredient is featured. 

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The University of Hawai‘i Foundation, a nonprofit organization, raises private funds to support the University of Hawai‘i System. The mission of the University of Hawai‘i Foundation is to unite donors’ passions with the University of Hawai‘i’s aspirations by raising philanthropic support and managing private investments to benefit UH, the people of Hawai‘i and our future generations. www.uhfoundation.org