On May 3, 2026, Cupertino Odd Fellows Lodge 70 had its 3rd Annual “May Day is Lei Day” Fundraiser. All proceeds went to the Hawaiian Council for Hawai’i’s recent flood victims. Our sold-out event raised $2,000 for this charity!
In Hawai’i, food, music and hula dancing are part of every gathering. Guests brought and shared ‘ono(delicious) pot luck dishes and desserts. An enjoyable hula show was performed by the new branch of Hālau Ke ‘Olu Makani O Mauna Loa ma Cupertino, an official hula school named for the pleasant wind of Mauna Loa volcano on Hawai’i island. This hālau branch is led by Sister Karen Sanico who holds classes in Lodge 70. After the hula show, music continued with a kani ka pila (music jam) led by the Leomele Hawaiian Band (Lodge 70 NG Richard & Karen Sanico). The audience was able to participate by singing, playing ‘ukuleles & dancing the hula. Several raffles of cash prizes during the event created fun & excitement! We received feedback from guests that the event ran smoothly and was lots of fun for a good cause.Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) to Lodge 70’s members whose hard work made this fundraiser a success: Stephen Franke, Jim Kabbage, Mark St. John, Estelle Ramolete, Helen Bobias, Randee Chin, Les Wong & Brad Winchester.
— By Karen Sanico
