Madre Chocolate Workshop

Six Pi Phis attended the Madre Chocolate workshop on Friday, December 12. They learned about the origins of chocolate, how it is made bean-to-bar in Hawaii, and were able to sample some of Madre Chocolate's most popular chocolate flavors. Finally, we were able to make our very own chocolate bar using Hawaii grown and made chocolate, choosing from a delicious selection of fruits, nuts and spices to flavor our bars with, from toasted coconut to spicy chipotle pepper or Hawaiian sea salt.

Gerry, Nicole, and Tyre begin seasoning their chocolate bars

Taylor, Brenda, Jessica, Nicole, Tyre, Gerry, and Karin at Madre Chocolate

Overall, it was a delicious and informative tour! Click Here for more photos.

Summer Fun with HAPA!

HAPA's summer event provides local alumnae, collegiates, and potential new members with the opportunity to meet each other.

Pi Beta Phi Members Stephanie, Kiana, Sandy, and Cynthia attend HAPA's Summer Gathering

HAPA Celebrates 90 Years in Hawaii!

The Honolulu Alumnae Panhellenic Association (HAPA) was founded in 1924, 90 years ago! As a tribute to the era of their founding, this year's annual scholarship luncheon was given a "Gatbsy" theme. Panhellenic women and guests filled the Hale Koa's Waikiki Ballroom, wandering between the silent auction tables to look at the large selection of items for bid.

Cindy, Jessica, Sandy, and Stephanie attend HAPA's 90th Celebration and Scholarship Luncheon

While neither of our members won the "Vegas Vacation" grand prize from the raffle, one Pi Phi won a scholarship! Congratulations to Veronica Glen, initiated at the California Nu chapter at Loyala Marymount University. She is currently at Columbia University in New York City and is very thankful to HAPA for allowing her to represent the Honolulu Panhellenic commmunity through her graduate studies..

Founders and Golden Arrows Recognized at Founder's Day

This year, the Honolulu Alumnae Club held our annual Founder's Day luncheon at the beautiful Oahu Country Club. A candle lighting ceremony was held in remembrance of our 12 founders and the heritage they have passed on to us. The candles, which were lit and brought by Gerry DeBenedetti, remained lit throughout the luncheon and served as part of the centerpiece at each table.

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In addition to recognizing our Founders, Golden Arrows were also celebrated for their ongoing commitment to the Fraternity. Each Golden Arrow was given a wine and silver blue lei. The club's newest Golden Arrow, Susan Erne, was presented with a special pin in honor of her new membership status.

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Pi Phi and Kappa Present "A Tantalizing Tasting"

The Honolulu Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi joined forces with the local alumnae from Kappa Kappa Gamma to host "Tantalizing Tasting: A Duo of Food and Drink." Members were encouraged to bring their significant other, along with a drink and appetizer pairing of their choice to share with the group. Guests were able to try a variety of pairings and learn about different flavors that compliment another.

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Pi Phi and Kappa, having both been founded at Monmouth College, are known as the "Monmouth Duo" - a history that has inspired partnership even between our local alumnae clubs.

Frances Kakugawa Speaks at Day of Service Luncheon

On March 16, the Honolulu Alumnae Club observed Pi Beta Phi's "Day of Service" with a literacy luncheon held in a private room at Outback Steakhouse. At the start of the luncheon, a donation was presented to Hawaii Literacy, a local non-profit organization who provides services focused on adult literacy, family literacy, learning the English language. It also operates a bookmobile in economically disadvantaged communities.

Above: Literacy Chair Nicole Matsuo presents a donation check on behalf of the alumnae club to Suzanne Skjold, Executive Director for Hawaii Literacy

Following this donation, the Club President introduced the guest speaker for the luncheon: Frances Kakugawa. Frances, a native of Hawaii who now lives in California, is the author of eleven different books. She has received numerous awards from Hawaii and California publishers' association for her adult and children's books, and is a nationally sought-after speaker for her presentations related to caregiving and writing.

Above: Guest Speaker Frances Kakugawa shares her personal inspiration and experiences with writing

Club members and guests enjoyed hearing Frances speak about being introduced to books as a 5-year old and how her love of reading was fostered by teachers reading aloud to students. These early literacy experiences inspired her childhood dream of becoming an author. She also shared some of the obstacles that she overcame to achieving that goal. Growing up in a poor community, being literate and well-spoken was not regarded as the norm in her neighborhood. She had decided that being "different" was something good and learned to listen to her own voice.

Frances also spoke about her current efforts to promote literacy. In addition to her personal writing and speaking engagements, she conducts workshops for adults and children about writing poetry, memoir writing, and writing in a journal.

Attendees found Frances Kakugawa's presentation to be entertaining and inspiring.

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Pi Beta Phi Convention 2013

Our Honolulu Alumnae Club President attended the 2013 Pi Beta Phi Convention "Ocean to Ocean" this past weekend. Over 1,100 sisters attended the convention in San Diego and shared a weekend in sisterhood.

Various proposals were discussed and every delegate voted on behalf of her club or chapter. Delegates also were responsible for electing the new leadership of Pi Beta Phi (including our Grand Council members for 2013-2015)!

Alumnae Region 6 members at the Wine Carnation Banquet
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Convention lunches and dinners gave sisters an opportunity to get to know one another, whether they were sitting with their chapter, their alumnae region, or with friends.

Awards were presented to individuals, chapters, and alumnae clubs during meals and general session. This year, the Honolulu Alumnae Club was recognized as a "Club of Superior Excellence." Way to go ladies!

Convention highlights, by Pi Beta Phi HQ