The 18th Annual LACA Reunion was held at the Main Street Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, October 11-12, 2013. Chairperson for the event was Donna Reyes Ching, with her mother, Gloria, keeping her focused, organized and offering moral support.
Almost everyone arrived by plane or car on Thursday and, after checking in at their respective hotels, roamed around seeing familiar faces, enjoying the casinos and relaxing in the Lana’i/Las Vegas way.
A LACA Golf Tournament, organized by Bill Ruidas & Sharon Reyes, kicked off the activities early Friday morning at the historic Las Vegas Golf Club. Participants arrived in the early morning and had a chance to stretch, mingle and get rid of the travel rust as they teed off on an enjoyable course. Competition was keen, but relaxed, and everyone had a fun day in the sun.
The next activity was a fun filled Slot Machine Tournament hosted by Lea Nobui Suzuki & Jojo Endrina Timbreza at the Main Street Casino. Winners were Rene Malaluan, Lea Nobui Suzuki, and, believe it or not, an unintended mystery guest. The unknown guest was not part of the LACA reunion group and, quite innocently, played with us thinking he was with his own reunion group. He was a bit surprised and probably embarrassed because he didn’t return to claim his winnings. Lea and Rene (and the mystery player) generously donated their winnings to LACA.
The final “official†activity was the LACA Reunion Luncheon at the Main Street Social Hall, which was MC’d by Alfred Tipon, Jr. (son of Irene Dalde). The luncheon reunion was full of laughter, reminiscing and a few tears of joy with everyone having a great time. Several special events and recognitions kept Freddy busy coordinating the activities.
Joice Dalde Alapag & her Chicken Hekka Band, which included Glenn Alapag, Ben Dalde, Jane Garalde Primicias, and Jay Reponte, provided entertainment while everyone mingled, talked, laughed and ate.
We honored our Kupuna with Kukui Nut Leis adorned with painted pineapple images. These were presented to Sue Obado, Suzanne Sanchez Kinkaid, Elaine Perry Dang, Donna Tanodra Willingham, Ted Perez and Henry Dulan. Norante Fernandez received a UH logo Kukui Nut lei in honor of the UH game against UNLV held that same day.
Bill Ruidas & Sharon Reyes presented the LACA Golf Tournament awards. Low net winners were Jim Cummings (1st), Freddy Tipon (2nd) and Garrett Malaluan (3rd). Par 3 closest-to-the pin winners were Bill Ruidas, Jim Cummings and Sharon Reyes. Sue Pascua Damian donated the first Perpetual Highest Score Award Trophy. Donna Ching, our Chairperson, graciously accepted the award and said she will gladly give it up next year to another “deserving†winner.
What a surprise when a birthday cake, baked by Rene Malaluan, was presented to the class of ’61, celebrating their 70th birthday. It was a tear jerking moment when they all sang “Lana’iâ€, written and made famous by their late classmate Al Lopaka. Happy Birthday Class of 1961!
Donna stepped to the podium to give a brief description of LACA’s functions and the challenges ahead, requesting volunteers and donations. While giving her update, she was pleasantly surprised by Elaine Perry and Lui Obado who provided a monetary donation to LACA and challenged others to do the same.
One of the highlights of the evening was when Sue Damian (Class ’52), presented the grand prize of a Hotel stay at the California Hotel & Casino to Linda Perez. The 2nd prize of a dinner for two at the Red Grill Restaurant went to Lloyd Funada.
A big “Mahalo!†goes out to Lanai Artist Mike Carroll who donated a copy of his “Ironwood†painting. Suzanne Obado was the lucky winner. Sherry Ramaila’s beautiful handmade Pineapple Quilt went to Joice Dalde Alapag. Myrtle Dalde Reponte’s generous copies of her pineapple paintings got sold out on our Fund Raising table.
Special recognitions to: Joy Maile Enfield (Class ’60) for her endless dedication and services to LACA/Vegas reunions & alma mater throughout the years. LACA thanks her for all she’s done for decades. We would also like to recognize Sue Pascua Damian for her total commitment, generous monetary contributions & active involvement. Sorely missed was Randy Piena, who didn’t make it to our reunion due to illness. Glenda Obado-Ito and Sharon Reyes presented speeches written by LACA’s “ghost writer†Rosita Hueu, sharing a memorable flashback to the past. All of you are sincerely appreciated!
The 2013 LACA Reunion would not have been a success without lots of support from everyone who attended, those already mentioned and the following Lanai Ohana: Henry Dulan and Lui Obado, Musicians; Sally Tabura Cadiente, Name Tags; Sonny & June Dalde, Program Design & Photos; Sue Obado, Favors; Al Lopez, Jr., Blessing; Patty Oshiro, Greeter; Marge Asato, Joy Maile Enfield and Glenda Obado-Ito, Logistics; and Jeff Whaley, Photographer.
Frank “Paco†Primicias thanks you for your interest in his Souvenir Video that will provide you with fond memories now and in the future. Thank you William Ito, Glenda Obado-Ito’s son, for sharing his photos.
Mahalo to all that participated in this 2013 LACA/Vegas Reunion! We sincerely hope you enjoyed this wonderful event. The 2014 LACA Reunion is set for September 27th to be held at the California Hotel & Casino Ohana Room, Luncheon at 12:00-4:00 pm. Anybody willing to help, PLEASE… you are most welcome!