For the first-time ever, Lanakila Pacific held a unique island-wide fundraiser to benefit its Lanakila Meals on Wheels program, Hawaii's largest meal delivery service for the elderly.

The Good Table was a synchronized dining event that happened on October 22 at 6:00 p.m. in over 50 restaurants all over Oahu. Select restaurants, ranging from fine dining establishments to casual eateries served special, chef-designed meals to diners who pre-purchased tables through donations to The Good Table. Proceeds from the purchased tables will directly support Lanakila Meals on Wheels to provide meals and support for Hawaii's elderly in need.

The economic downturn has escalated the already critical need for senior services. Sadly, due to funding shortfalls, hundreds of seniors remain on waiting lists before they can get meals, and the list continues to grow. As Hawaii's largest and only island-wide meals on wheels service, Lanakila will use the monies raised through The Good Table to directly fund the shortfall and deliver more meals to Hawaii's elderly.

"We are excited and overwhelmed with the response we received for this first-ever event," said Marian Tsuji, president and CEO of Lanakila Pacific. "Despite the down economy, restaurants and corporate supporters across Oahu were eager to jump on board and helped raise more than $50,000 that helps provide not only over 6,400 nutritionally balanced and guaranteed meals; but more moments of human connection every day for Hawaii seniors. However, we still have a long way to go to help sustain this program that has become vital to many seniors in the community."

Tables were available in various categories, ranging from the top table for six at Alan Wong's Restaurant for $2,500 to a variety of family restaurants for four, for $120. Diners purchased tables in pre-designated categories, entered into a drawing and were notified of their restaurant selection after table sales closed.

Participating restaurants included 12th Avenue Grill, 3660 on the Rise, Alan Wong's Restaurant, Azul, Big City Diners, BluWater Grill, Bombay India, Brasserie Du Vin, Café Laufer, Duke's Waikiki, Elua Restaurant & Wine Bar, Formaggio Grill & Wine Bar, Grand Café, Gyotaku Japanese Restaurants, Hakone, Haili's Hawaiian Foods, Hank's Haute Dogs, Hoku's, Indigo, JJ Dolan's, John Dominis Restaurant, Ka'Ikena Restaurant at KCC, Kaiwa, Kakaako Kitchen, Le Guignol, Le Bistro, Longhi's, Mac 24/7, Maple Garden, Mariposa, Max's of Manila, Michel's at the Colony Surf, Mini Garden, Mr. Ojisan, Nobu Waikiki, Ola at the Turtle Bay Resort, On On at McCully, Orchids, Pineapple Room, Roy's Restaurants, Sansei Seafood Restaurant, d.k Steakhouse, Sushi Izakaya Gaku, Side Street Inn, Soul de Cuba, Stage Restaurant, Tango Contemporary Café, Chef Eric at Pacific Club, The Prince Court, Tiki's Grill & Bar, Top of Waikiki, Town, Twist at Hanohano, Vino, Willow's, Xpress Chefs, Zaffron, and Zippy's.

To learn more, volunteer or make a donation to Lanakila Meals on Wheels, please call 531-0555 or visit www.lanakilapacific.org.

A program of Lanakila Pacific, Lanakila Meals on Wheels started with a lunch wagon in A'ala Park in 1971, and is today Hawaii's largest and only island-wide meal provider for seniors. Founded in 1939, Lanakila Pacific is a unique Hawaii-based, non-profit organization that serves over 4,000 Oahu residents annually with programs that build life skills, which in turn support our greater community. The Good Table helped celebrate the organization's 70th Anniversary this year.