Annual "Luncheon Luau" Provides
Taste of Islands to Campus Community

Tia Re (in red skirt), a member of the Manea Dancers, gave Cal Poly Pomona students an introductory lesson in the Hula at the Asian & Pacific Islands annual "Luncheon Luau" at on April 25.

Tia Re (left) and Moa Na performed at the "Luncheon Luau" in University Park.

ASI president Allen Coson and other students greeted visitors with a shell lei at the luau.

Smiling faces and the blowing of the conch greeted over 150 faculty, staff, students and friends on April 25 as the Asian & Pacific Islander Student Center hosted its annual "Luncheon Luau" at University Park.

Held in conjunction with Asia & Pacific Islands Heritage Month, this year's event served as an opportunity for individuals to learn more about the histories, tastes and cultures associated with the different countries and islands represented. It also provided a midday break on "Bring Your Daughter to Work Day."

"This year's luau proved to be a wonderful event. We're very pleased with the support we received from the campus community," said Dora Lee, coordinator of the Asian & Pacific Islander Student Center.

Upon arrival, students presented shell leis to attendees. Yokozuna's of Chula Vista catered the buffet lunch, while a future campus vendor—Kai Nalu's Island Grill—served Hawaiian shave-ice and Hawaiian-style popcorn.

Entertainment was provided by The Manea Dancers, a Los Angeles area group specializing in Hawaiian and Polynesian entertainment. Tia Re, Maire, Maeva and Viriamo performed and taught several members of the audience a variety of dance forms.

The luau also served as a registration location for Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches, an organization seeking to find potential donors for Asian patients suffering from diseases.

For additional information on Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches, visit their Web site at www.AsianMarrow.org. For history and details about The Manea Dancers, go to www.manea.net. And you can find out more about Yokozuna's by visiting www.yokozunas.com.

 

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