MORSELS

MA’O fundraiser to help students

MA’O Organic Farms is holding a scholarship fundraiser to benefit youth enrolled in its college internship program.

"MA’O Ma Town," to be held 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Bishop Museum, will feature cuisine by downtown chefs, entertainment and silent and live auctions.

MA’O’s work force includes students participating in its two-year Youth Leadership Training College Internship Program, which requires both work on the farm and college attendance.

Tickets are $150, with VIP tables running $3,000 to $10,000. Purchase by calling 397-0960, e-mailing wei@maoorganicfarms.org, or online at maoorganicfarms.org/index.php?/mao_farms/events/.

Benefit offers more than 100 wines

"Flavors," the wine-tasting event that doubles as community fundraiser, returns for its seventh straight year, on July 15 at the Sheraton Waikiki Ballroom.

The Hawaii Bowl Foundation event will feature more than 100 varieties of wine along with a large array of pupu, live entertainment from Firehouse and silent and live auctions.

Net proceeds go to local nonprofit charities.

The event starts at 6 p.m.; tickets are $70 advance and $85 at the door. Call 548-2695 or visit www.etickethawaii.com.

Chef honored for using local food

James Babian, executive chef of the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, has been recognized by the Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers for his use of locally produced foods, which reflect his commitment to island food sustainability.

"By using fresh, locally produced food, we give our restaurant patrons a unique, island experience while supporting the local economy," Babian said in a press statement. "By the end of the year, we’ve easily worked with 160 different local farms to source products for our restaurants."

Babian was trained at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. He has been preparing food on the Big Island for 13 years.