Our annual Christmas tree fundraiser connects long-time friends.Making connections is what it’s all about. So thankful for Sam Choy’s influence in our culinary industry.My precious granddaughter Amelia-Jean’s first day of preschool.My sister Martha & daughter Alyah celebrate the oldies classic car event.Anissa is recognized as a valuable employee at the YMCA’s annual Employee recognition dinner.We celebrated with a crew from the Navy during Navy Week in Hawai’i. I made kalua pig & cabbage for their lunch that they enjoyed after a morning of Zumba, line dancing and Tahitian.Japanese Chamber of Commerce event celebrating people in our communityAunty Luana recognized our efforts at the Merrie Monarch Royal Parade.Aunty Twinkle celebrates retirement from the YMCA – so thankful for all of her years of service!We celebrate our employees at the annual Employee Recognition Dinner.I support breast cancer awareness – we had a Zumba event filled with energy, connections and positive vibes.Celebrating Chinese New Year 2026 at the Hawai’i County Building. Our annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser brings community together to raise funds that help provide financial assistance to families during the summer months when school is not in session. Celebrating Christmas with family – priceless! Making connections after a conference is so important to me. My son, Dalston, loves the land and ocean – he enjoys planting & harvesting kalo – my fave!A visit to Washington DC with my sister Martha – YMCA USA Advocacy Days.I love connecting with old friends that I haven’t seen in years! The YMCA brings folks together as we strengthen our community!Celebrating Navy Week with the Navy crew, our YMCA staff and our kupuna. Halloween Fest event brings the community together for a smoke/vape-free, drug/alcohol-free event. This lucky winner had free child care for the summer valued at $2,000! I enjoy participating in events with my staff at the YMCA – this creates a bond and trust between all of us that make our team special. Harriet has been the longest standing Zumba instructor at the YMCA! We are blessed to receive funding that support our programs at the YMCA.Charlene Iboshi is a long-time friend and supporter! Connecting with friends from West Hawai’i warms my heart! Mahalo for your support! Family is forever. I celebrate Japan with my friends!Keeping connections with our elected officials are important to me. Mahalo for your support! I am a proud 7th generation Portuguese whose roots go back over 200 years to Madeira, Portugal. Our Mattos family reunion in 2024 was held at Carvalho Park. Our YMCA team & Tahitian dancers participated in the 2025 Merrie Monarch Parade – we won 2nd place for our beautiful entry! I’m so grateful for my team at the YMCA who makes things happen! I support small businesses and entrepreneurs any way I can!I prepare and cook most of the meals for the kids camps and our special events – I enjoy the challenge! My sister and I in Washington DC for YMCA USA Advocacy Days. My team at the YMCA is dedicated, hard-working and helps me strengthen our community every day. I am humbled by my friends who support me and my vision for Hilo. Thank you so much, Emma!
