Attendees will be fed traditional Hawaiian food and entertained by several dance troupes and a ukulele ensemble, said Eileen McKenzieSullivan, executive director. Food for the event, which will be held at the center, comes from the local Hawaiian community that stepped up to make all of the classic dishes, she added.
Money raised at the event will help pay for site improvements, including furnishing the center, McKenzieSullivan said.
“We need to get that kitchen in shape so it can meet the volume,” she said.
The luau is also something of a celebration for the center and Lacey, which has secured enough funding to move forward with an expansion to nearly double the 5,000-square-foot center, said Lori Flemm, parks and recreation director.
Initial plans call for a walk-in refrigerator, a new classroom, expansion of the dining hall and lounge areas, addition of a fitness room and more restrooms, and expansion of the respite care programming room.
Funding is secured for construction, topped off by the recent award of a $1 million federal block grant. The city had set aside $1.5 million and Senior Services had pledged $75,000 as well as $8,000 in donations and fundraisers by seniors, Flemm said.
Lacey is currently negotiating a contract with an architect and hopes to start construction by spring.
The city hopes to raise an additional $400,000 to expand the parking lot, put in new sidewalks and make other improvements to the center. Flemm said the city is looking for grants and fundraisers, such as the luau, to help fill the gap.
Nate Hulings: 360-754-5476 nhulings@theolympian.com www.theolympian.com/outsideoly
