WITH DEEP GRATEFULNESS...

Why SHINE….

For the past 21 years it has always been emotional working on my birthday celebration while hoping to make a difference.  Sometimes you feel alone in it all regardless of the physical help you are receiving.  I think it’s because of my “why”.

I myself have been a victim of bullying, domestic violence, identity theft, dark jealousy and it goes on.  All while just being the best ME possible.

 

Being a victim of anything is a lonely place until you rise out of the dark.  Which is why I designed my event, SHINE.  

 

I told myself, I will never be that person that keeps talking about being a victim, the same story over and over.  Sure, if someone asked me, I would share my story so they will know I’ve been there and understand what they are going through.  For me, my intent with my Project Shine is to lift you up not to remind you of where you came from.  It’s WHO you’ve become today.  Less talk more action is what I love.

 

So, when I celebrate my birthday while making a difference with other charities, it stems from my heart.  I can’t change the world alone, but I can be a part of the change.  Lifting self-esteem through my Project Shine photo shoots, raising thousands of dollars for families in a challenging season, gifting teens with tools to encourage and motivate them with their dreams is all part of my heart.

 

So this annual event moves me, inspires me, brings joy knowing that YOU cared and felt my desire to help make others SHINE.

 

However, this year was the most challenging of all years.  Most of it because vendors all over increased their prices 50% or more due to the pandemic.  But I, refrained from increasing ticket prices because of the pandemic and wanted it to be comfortable for all my guests. 

There was a moment my mind said to pull out because it was just too expensive for a fundraiser.  But my heart tugged at me and said, you have to SHINE ON! And so we did it!

 

And that would not have been possible without you and the following.

 

So I thank each and everyone of you who purchased a ticket, donated a silent auction prize, donated services, etc.

 

I am especially grateful for the following:

The Shine Sponsors

Erica Lincoln @hash_tag_erica

Dr. Angela Pratt @angela_dr

Kevin Sumidas @sumidasautorepair

Tiare Lando @legacylivingnow

Hiro Systems Hawaii @hirosystemshawaii

 

Shine Prize Donors

Trump Waikiki Hotel @trumpwaikiki

Dr. Angela Pratt, Louis Vuitton @angela_dr

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse @wolfgangswaikiki

Erica Lincoln, Gucci @hash_tag_erica

Rock Candy @rockcandyhawaii

Ahi @alohasouzafishhouse

Bravon Cosmetics @bravonbeauty

Bronca @

Charthouse @charthousehi

Jade by Nikolai @nikolai

Manuel Baez @mannybaez808

Prince Waikiki Hotel @princewaikiki

Tanaka of Tokyo @tanakaoftokyo

JSY Designs @jsy_designs_808

Valerie Joseph @valeriejoseph

Yip Fitness@yipfitness

Hiro Systems Hawaii @hirosystemshawaii

Halepuna Hotel @halepunawaikiki

Reneux Med Spa @reneuxmeddayspa

Jeannie Murata, 53 by the Sea

Ko’olau & Old Pali Road Whiskey @koolaudistillery

Breathe Hawaii @breathehawaii

Tiffany and Co. @tiffanyandco

Blessed Hawaii @blessedinhi

John Strandberg @jstrand808

 

Service/Product Sponsors

Kim Blair

Spinning Web Florist @spinningwebflorist

Mochi Bar @themochibar_hi

Hiro Systems Hawaii @hirosystemshawaii

Erica Lincoln @hash_tag_erica

Gabe France, Shine Models, @franz_visualartist

 

SHINE Co Hosts

Cody Easterbrook @cousin_cody

Miss Hawaii, Lauren Teruya @laurenteruya

 

Production

Crossing Rain @crossingrain

Ginai Hill @ginai

Lion Dancers, 

Mystical Sounds, Lights/Sound, @mysticalsounds

Trump Security @trumpwaikiki

Vance Leong, PA @i_am_the_jungle

Chanzen, MUH, @chanzen.artistry

Model Matt Wayne @mattwaynes.world

Model Cameron Howard @killerhoward55

 

The Media

MidWeek Magazine @midweekhawaii

 

The Team

Thanks to my Event Coordinator, Cassie Nii @cnii808 for taking my orders and making it work.  And to all your volunteers who helped at the front and to Randall who assisted with talent tracks and set up.

 

The Venue

Thank you so much Trump Waikiki Hotel and Patsy @grandmapats for the unmatched VIP hospitality, comp suite and food and above all, the late check out.  Ha ha ha kidding!