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Project Information <br />* 40. Project Title EXHIBIT A <br />20th Annual Avocado Festival <br />41. Project Start Date <br />02/07/2026 <br />42. Project End Date <br />02/07/2026 <br />* <br />43. Please select all areas of Hawaii Island where the project will be administered, delivered, and <br />implemented. <br />South Kona <br />44. Please select the district of the Council Member from which you would like to apply for Contingency <br />Relief Funds. <br />Council District 7 <br />* 45. In 2,000 characters or less, describe the project. <br />The Avocado Festival, sponsored by the Sanctuary of Mena Ke'a Gardens, is an annual community event that <br />celebrates the avocado's role in Hawaiian culture, agriculture, and sustainability. Now in its 20th year, this year's <br />festival will be held at Hale Halawai and offers a rich blend of educational and cultural experiences, including <br />presentations on avocado grafting, growing, and maintenance, as well as workshops on other agricultural topics like <br />composting, beekeeping, and macadamia nut cultivation. Attendees enjoy a lively festival atmosphere with local arts <br />and crafts, stage entertainment featuring live Hawaiian music and hula, and organic fashion shows promoting <br />sustainable clothing. Beyond agriculture, the festival emphasizes sustainability through initiatives such as zero -waste <br />management and renewable energy demonstrations. Local chefs contribute by presenting avocado -based recipes, <br />often culminating in a tasting contest that highlights innovative culinary uses of avocados. The event also fosters <br />community healing and wellness through modalities offered in a large tent space. It serves as a vital gathering for the <br />local food community to reinforce a "Grow Local, Eat Local" ethos while celebrating the avocado's cultural and <br />nutritional significance. The festival typically draws thousands of attendees, combining education, culture, agriculture, <br />and entertainment in a festive, family -friendly environment that respects Hawaiian traditions and promotes sustainable <br />living. <br />*46. 501(c)(3) Mission Statement <br />To offer educational and purposeful options for self and global renewal through the dynamic interconnectedness of <br />sustainability and spirituality and provide information to promote a healthful and vibrant vegan lifestyle. <br />*47. In 1,000 characters or less, explain how the 501(c)(3) is connected to the project. <br />The Sanctuary of Mana Kea Gardens is directly connected to the festival through its mission to promote sustainability, <br />education, and community wellness —core values reflected throughout the event. As the sponsoring 501(c)(3), the <br />Sanctuary organizes and delivers the festival's educational workshops on agriculture, renewable energy, and <br />sustainable living, which align with its purpose of fostering self and global renewal. The festival's emphasis on plant - <br />based food education, environmental stewardship, and holistic wellness also supports the Sanctuary's commitment to <br />encouraging a healthful and vibrant vegan lifestyle. By hosting cultural performances, community healing activities, <br />and interactive learning opportunities, the Sanctuary creates a space where its mission is put into practice. The festival <br />serves as a key outreach effort that brings the organization's values to the wider community while celebrating <br />agriculture, local culture, and sustainable practices on Hawaii Island. <br />* 48. Please upload a completed CRF Grant Budget Form. <br />Contingency Relief Fund Budget Form.xlsx <br />