Tickets are now on sale for the 5th Annual FAMES Gala Fundraising Event, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m. in the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel's Coral Ballroom.

FAMES – the Filipino American Multi Ethnic Society – is a local non-profit organization created and designed to mentor, educate, motivate and assist both existing and newly established businesses on how to become successful and profitable in their endeavor. It is also aimed to promote and develop strong leadership in the community.

"Our annual fundraisers are always a lot of fun and this year will be no exception," said Joni Redick-Yundt, FAMES founder and CEO. "Along with a great entertainment lineup and a live auction, we'll have popular local comedian Frank De Lima up on stage as our emcee – be prepared for a night of laughs!"

Ms. Redick-Yundt went on to note that funds raised during the event will help new and existing businesses succeed in Hawaii's competitive market, especially during these hard economic times.

"When you look at the local economy, it's hard to say we're any better off than we were a year ago," she said. "So we're hoping to get the community to step up to the plate to enable FAMES to continue to help hard-working local entrepreneurs weather this recession as they build their businesses for the benefit of the community at large."

To that end, she added, half the $100 ticket price is tax deductible, as FAMES is a 501 (C) 3 tax-exempt organization.

Ms. Redick-Yundt said the group is also looking for additional donations of products and services from local businesses and individuals, and they're already off to a good start.

"So far, we know some lucky person is going to be walking out the Coral Ballroom door with an Alaskan cruise for two valued at nearly $8,000," she said. "Plus, we'll be auctioning off three days behind the wheel of a shiny new Maserati courtesy of JN Automotive!"

Ms. Redick-Yundt added that FAMES is continuing to add to its list of auction items and will also have a variety of other door prizes to give away during the event. Updates will be available at www.fameshawaii.org through November 7.

To buy tickets or to contribute items for the FAMES Gala Fundraising Event, call Ms. Redick-Yundt at 781-5905, Beulah Olanolan at 349-9298 or Linda Malalis, FAMES ticket sales chair, at 741-8033.