Even as far west as Wal-Mart Keeaumoku, you just might run into an East Oahu friend and neighbor. The other day during my lunch break, I ran into Laura Buck, one of the board members and organizers of the Independence Day at Maunalua Bay. She's preparing for a fundraiser by Blu Water Grill at Hawaii Kai Shopping Center on Monday evening, November 23, 6-10 p.m.

The fundraiser, sponsored in part by Blu Water Grill, Hawaii Kai Shopping Center and Les Saisons, will feature a silent auction, holiday and plant sales, door prizes, and entertainment by Heart Song.

Independence Day at Maunalua Bay fundraiser

The event will include the review and judging of finalists' submissions for the annual logo contest by East Oahu children. The logo will be used in materials for the 2010 event.

Although many think the fund-raising effort for the Independence Day at Maunalau Bay is all about the fireworks, that's only part of the story. The 501c3 non-profit contributes 75 percent of its income for college scholarships.

Because of that, Buck and her fellow board members have been successful in acquiring donations from many area retailers and services such as Bark Avenue, Blu Water Grill, Cha Cha Cha Salsaria, Cookie's Clothing Company, Curves, Han's gallery, Hawaii Balloon Company, Hawaii Water Sports Center, Kokonuts Shave Ice & Snacks, Kona Brewing Company, Massage Bodyworks, Outback Steakhouse -- Hawaii Kai, Pacific Paws Doggie Resort & Spa, RS Nii Nursery, Safeway, Seabreeze Watersports Hawaii, Serenity & Massage and StorSecure Self Storage. Also participating is Silpada Designs Silver Jewelry,  BeautiControl, and Livable Hawai Kai Hui.

Buck welcomes everyone to the event, and said people should come early for the sales and silent auction.

"You know you always get a great deal at a silent auction," Buck said. "We're counting on a great turnout!"