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TOUCH A HEART NEWSLETTER | SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
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Last Friday, Sept. 12, we celebrated the graduation of our foodservice training program interns, Amanda and Dante, at Kalihi Union Church. Surrounded by more than 60 guests, the event was filled with joy, gratitude, and aloha.
Amanda reflected: "I'm very thankful for this program... I learned a lot about myself, I learned a lot about others, and I'm just really grateful that I did this."
Dianthe shared: "I would like to thank Lydia House for giving me this opportunity... and Touch A Heart for being hospitable and welcoming me with open arms. This made me feel like I can be who I am and be open to communicate."
The celebration was made more special with the presence of our extended ʻohana, including Board President Dante and his wife Shara, Advisory Board Member Betty and her husband Ted, and representatives from Chaminade University of Honolulu, Lydia House/Liliʻuokalani Trust, the Oʻahu Workforce Development Board, Dismas Charities, ALTRES, and more. Apprentice Joseph shared words of encouragement from the previous cohort. Pastor Jonathan of KUC closed with a heartfelt prayer, and preschoolers from Kalihi Christian School recited a Bible verse, sang, and laid hands on the graduates.
The Hawaiian-themed menu, prepared by staff and graduates, included laulau, kalua pork, chicken long rice, lomi salmon, beef luʻau, sweet potato, poi, and rice. Desserts featured mango lilikoi panna cotta and chocolate cream puffs with coconut chantilly.
As Chef Curtis and Director of Operations & Training Colin reminded us, graduation is not an ending but a beginning. Our graduates now move forward with new skills, confidence, and the support of our ʻohana. Dianthe will continue as an apprentice, while Amanda will return to school and part-time work but hopes to volunteer.
Please join us in congratulating our newest graduates and wishing them all the best in the chapters ahead!
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Pickup every Wednesday at:
- Kalihi Union Church from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Pearl City Community Church from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
We recommend preordering by Sunday. By placing your orders early, we're able to plan and increase production as needed. Mahalo for your support and understanding!
For customer service, contact info@touchahearthawaii.org or (808) 763-7477.
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What's On the Menu
Our upcoming menu is packed with comforting favorites and a tasty new addition you won't want to miss!
Savor the flavors of Baked Parmesan Chicken, classic Char Siu Pork, and a hearty helping of Shepherd's Pie—each made with care by our ʻohana.
And for those who like to add on, we're excited to debut our new Onolicious Meatballs with Sweet & Sour Sauce, available as an à la carte option in a generous 24 oz. container, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
Dessert rounds out the menu with two timeless treats. Enjoy a Lemon Bar bursting with tangy citrus flavor or a rich and decadent Dark Chocolate Cake.
With something for everyone, next week's lineup promises to be satisfying, flavorful, and full of aloha.
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Make a Difference with Your Order!
Did you know that nearly 1 in 3 households in Hawai‘i struggle with hunger? You can help fight food insecurity by adding a donation to your order. Simply select "Donate A Meal Set," "Donate A Salad," or "Donate A Dessert" when ordering online, and we'll ensure it reaches someone in need. Every donation provides nourishment, comfort, and hope to our community. Mahalo for helping us feed Hawai‘i—one meal at a time!
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REMINDERS
Please refrigerate your meals and desserts right away upon picking them up or delivery. If you're unable to do so immediately, keep the items in an insulated bag or cooler with an ice pack. Items should be consumed by Sunday, and pasta dishes within two (2) days. Mahalo!
When ordering online, make sure you receive a confirmation email to verify successful processing. For assistance or if you don’t receive a confirmation email, contact us at (808) 763-7477.
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Touch A Heart is honored to participate in the 71st Annual Waikīkī Ho'olaule'a, part of Aloha Festivals—Hawai'i's largest and longest-running cultural celebration.
Festivities begin on Friday, Sept. 19, when Jennifer, our Employment Social Enterprise Operations Manager, will appear on KHON2's Living808 at 9 a.m.
On Saturday, Sept. 20, Baker's Heart will join other local vendors for a pop-up at Macy's Ala Moana from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (or until sold out). Find us by the 2nd floor escalator going up. Preorders are available via the link below for easy pickup. That evening, Baker's Heart cookies will be shared with entertainers at the Japanese Hawai'i Friendship Stage during the Waikīkī Ho'olaule'a (6 to 10 p.m.) near the Duke Kahanamoku statue. This special stage, hosted by Alfanet Inc. (Tokyo, Japan), will feature a rich lineup including Na Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Kamuela Kahoano, longtime Merrie Monarch emcee Kimo Kahoano, the Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus, hālau from Hawai'i and Japan, and even a collaborative performance by local and Japanese keiki.
On Sunday, Sept. 21, we'll join the Aloha Clean Day beach cleanup at Sherwood Beach in Waimānalo (9:30 to 10:30 a.m.), followed by a microplastic art workshop (10:30 to 11:30 a.m.), in cooperation with Go Clean Hawai'i. Participants are encouraged to bring their own buckets or trash bins. Baker's Heart cookies will also be shared with volunteers.
We're grateful to be part of this celebration alongside so many cultural partners, sponsors, and volunteers. Mahalo for helping us share aloha through food, culture, and community!
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Support Touch A Heart Through Give Aloha!
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This year, Touch A Heart is excited to participate in Give Aloha, Foodland's Annual Community Matching Gifts program! You can support by making a donation at any Foodland, Sack N Save, or Foodland Farms store during the month of September. 100% of your gift will go directly to our organization and Foodland will match a portion of your contribution.
Here's how to support at checkout:
- Enter your Maikaʻi phone number or present your Maikaʻi card.
- Tell the cashier: "I'd like to make a $________* donation to Touch A Heart, #79002."
- Review your receipt to confirm the organization name and donation amount is correct.
*Customers may donate any dollar amount up to $249.
A Note from Touch A Heart
When you donate through Give Aloha, your gift helps us twice—once through your donation and again through Foodland's matching gift program. The more our supporters give, the larger our share!
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Special Mahalo for Donors:
- Show us your Give Aloha receipt and receive a 2-cookie package from Baker’s Heart (choice of Pineapple Coconut or Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Coffee).
- Your receipt also enters you into our prize drawing for a box of Baker’s Heart Guava ʻUlu Cookies (sold exclusively at The Ritz-Carlton) and a Baker’s Heart tote bag.
Together, let’s raise $5,000 this September!
Please Keep Your Receipt!
Foodland does not tell us who donated. We only see the total amount given.
If you would like a thank-you letter for your taxes:
- Keep your store receipt showing your Give Aloha donation.
- Email a copy to info@touchahearthawaii.org or bring it to us in person.
Without your receipt, we cannot list the amount in our letter. You can still use your receipt for your taxes.
Thank you for helping us transform lives, one heart at a time!
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@touchahearthawaii.org or (808) 779-7083.
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Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival FEAST Summit
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Touch A Heart Executive Director Robin Kumabe will be speaking at the inaugural Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival FEAST Summit on Friday, October 31 at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort!
Hawai‘i's premier professional development conference brings together leaders across food, education, agriculture, sustainability and tourism to explore 11 topics shaping the future of culinary, hospitality and the visitor industry with 55+ national and local experts.
Robin will be sharing insights on the panel "Feeding Change: Transforming Food Systems, One Meal At A Time" — a powerful conversation about how food can drive social justice, workforce development, and systems change.
Join us for a full day of learning, networking, and actionable ideas to inspire and shape the future of culinary and hospitality in Hawai‘i and beyond!
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We're looking for on-call volunteers to help deliver ʻOhana Meals to homebound community members. If you have flexibility on Wednesdays and want to make a difference, we'd love to have you on our team!
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You can make an impact by writing letters to some of our graduates who are currently away in prison. A kind message can provide support, encouragement, and hope as they work toward a fresh start.
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Interested in volunteering? Contact Robin at robin@touchahearthawaii.org or (808) 779-7083. Your support makes a big difference!
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Shop our Social Enterprises
For-profit businesses with a non-profit mission and heart for our islands & local community.
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