2025 Illumination Gala: Navigating Oceans of Opportunity
AN INSPIRING TUITION ASSISTANCE FUNDRAISER
Our Illumination Virtual Auction has ended. Did you miss out on an auction item? There’s still time! You may purchase auction items outright at the starting bid price until Thursday, May 1. Every dollar raised helps students access the education they deserve. If you don't want to bid, you can still support tuition assistance by donating. Every gift, big or small, helps provide life-changing educational opportunities. Let’s rally for our students — spread the word and happy buying!
Winning bidders can pick up their auction items at the K-8 campus at 1 'Ohana Nui Way from Wednesday, April 2 to Friday, April 11, 2025, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those who won a trip do not need to come to campus to get it. We will reach out with details on redeeming your experience. All winning bidders are welcome to share photos and videos for consideration for our website, social media, newsletters, and other communications via email at socialmedia@assets-school.org or tag us when you post on social media.
Above: Kaiona, performed at the Illumination Gala.
Mahalo for making the Illumination Gala such a memorable evening! Your generosity directly supported tuition assistance, making a lasting impact on our students and their futures. We enjoyed celebrating with you at the beautiful Waialae Country Club on Saturday, March 29.
If you have any questions, contact Manager of Annual Fundraising, Katie van Nispen, with any questions at (808) 440-3625 or kvannispen@assets-school.org.
Above: Ocean view from the Waialae Country Club
Performance: Kaiona, a brother and sister duo
Emcees: KHON2's Living808 talent John Veneri and Kelly Simek
Lei Po'o: Those attending the Illumination Gala pre-ordered a lei po'o to complement their Crisp Aloha attire. A portion of the proceeds goes to our goal of raising money for tuition assistance. While some may call this a haku, in Hawaiian culture, "haku" refers to the braiding technique used to create the lei, not the lei itself.
We honored Trustee McD Philpotts and his family at this year’s event. McD’s two sons, Alika and Kainoa, attended Assets, and McD is an alumnus of the Academy of the Pacific, where our High School is located. McD has steadfastly championed our school’s vision, having served on our Board since 2007. He owns two companies, Mountain Wood Farm and Hawaiian Furniture.
“I know what it is like to not have Assets and what it is like to have Assets. We have to make sure Assets is always in our community to help the children we serve.”
--Trustee McD Philpotts
“McD’s unwavering leadership and dedication have made an indelible impact on our community,” said Linda Jameson Myers, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “We are proud to celebrate his many contributions as well as his family’s.”
To see Illumination 2024, enjoy our video here.
Assets School is a 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit organization. Our taxpayer ID# is 99-6001152
Mahalo to our 2025 Illumination Sponsors
Click below to see our Illuminaton 2024 Photo Gallery
