Approximately 130 members and guests of Da’Hawaii Seniors Club gathered recently for a fantastic holiday party with an eight-course Chinese dinner.
It was also an opportunity to say Mahalo (thank you) to 2014 Board Members and Aloha (welcome) to new Board Members for 2015.
John Yanagihara chaired the event that started at 11 a.m. and ended at about 3 p.m. Club members filled the restaurant tables and enjoyed the eight-course Chinese dinner. There was also a cake provided by the club for a 9th course.
Yanagihara and his committee planned for a variety of entertainment provided by the club’s talented members. Members performed different hulas and sang songs in Hawaiian and also festive holiday songs accompanied by the club’s musicians.
Jan Kaneshiro was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the day who kept everyone entertained with her humorous comments and introductions. She even sang a duet with Lani Sakanoi and joined in singing many of the songs.
Co-Presidents Danny Chang and Ann Kho thanked everyone for supporting the club’s activities in 2014. Chang and his wife, Winona, presented bags full of gifts to thank the 2014 Board Members and other members who helped the club throughout the year. Chang also introduced and welcomed five of the incoming 2015 Board Members who were present at the holiday party. The five new board members included Co-Presidents Ann Kho and Winston Goo, Co-Vice-President of Programs Ruth Goo, Co-Vice President of Public Performances Elizabeth Nakamura and Treasurer Youling Chen. Other new board members could not be present at the holiday party for different reasons.
On behalf of Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club, the 2015 Co-President Winston Goo and his wife, Ruth, presented orchid plants as gifts to 2014 Co-Presidents Danny Chang and Ann Kho in appreciation for volunteering to lead the club this year. Kho said that she enjoyed being part of Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club and was happy to continue as Co-President for 2015 with Winston Goo. Everyone applauded the 2014 and 2015 Board Members.
As the audience joined in singing “Here Comes Santa Claus,” Co-President Danny Chang and his wife, Winona, surprised everyone as they came out dressed as Hawaiian Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Danny and Winona went from table to table passing out candy canes to everyone.
Calvin and Gloria Kunimoto distributed door prizes donated by club members at different times during the day. After the last door prizes were delivered to the lucky winners, club members formed a circle, held hands, and sang “Hawaii Aloha” and “Aloha Oe.” It was a wonderful ending to a very enjoyable afternoon with delicious Chinese food, great entertainment and a close feeling of fellowship with club members.
