Susan G. Komen group to stage fundraiser

The Hawaii Affiliate of Susan G. Komen is teaming up with the "Pink Palace of the Pacific" to present the inaugural Pink Tie Ball.

The fundraiser begins at 6 p.m. March 9 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel’s Monarch Ballroom with a reception followed by dinner, a silent auction and program at 7 p.m.

Dr. William S. Loui will be honored during the event. Loui has represented Hawaii on the national Health Disparities Advisory Group for the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and also worked in local programs ensuring cancer care for women and minorities.

Sponsorship packages cost $3,000 to $10,000 for tables of 10.

See www.komenhawaii.com, call 754-6659 or email komen@komenhawaii.org for information.

Hospice offers help in dealing with grief

St. Francis Hospice will present "Grief, Hope, Joy & Beyond," a conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Koolau Ballrooms in Kaneohe.

The event is designed for social workers, counselors, chaplains and others seeking ways to deal with loss.

Among the keynote speakers is Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy, also known as SARK, an author and artist whose latest book is "Glad No Matter What: Transforming Loss and Change Into Gift and Opportunity."

Also appearing will be "jollytologist" Allen Klein, a therapeutic humor expert and author of 18 books, including "Learning to Laugh When You Feel Like Crying: Embracing Life After Loss."

Michael Wall, an educator and percussionist, will lead programs that use percussion instruments, clapping, dance and movement to help with grieving. He is the author of "Live Your Dreams."

Local panelists, including Su Shen Atta of the Family Peace Center, Merton Chinen of the state Office of Youth Services and Jerry Coffee, clinical director for the Institute for Human Services, will share tips on helping youths deal with grief.

Cost is $130, which includes lunch. Register online at www.stfrancishawaii.org. For more information, call 547-8147.