HUGS is a nonprofit, statewide organization whose mission is to provide support, compassion and aloha for families coping with the stresses of having a child suffering from a serious illness.

The event, which begins at 6 p.m., will include a live auction featuring a number of items such as golf and lunch with Tadd Fujikawa at Waialae Country Club; four club-level Denver Broncos tickets and two rooms at the Cherry Creek Marriott; a private plane ride to Maui with lodging at the Hyatt Maui and golf at Kapalua; and the UH Dream Getaway, which includes round-trip airfare for two to Las Vegas, three nights at the Mandalay Bay, tickets to the UNLV/UH football game, and an invitation to a Hawai'i fan dinner.

In addition to the auction, there will be grab bag and "slash it" tables, a performance by local music group Keahiwai, an array of food and cocktails. All attendees will have the opportunity to win a one-carat loose diamond. City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle will emcee the evening's activities. For more information or to purchase tickets call 732-4846.

The event will also feature a program honoring founding HUGS board member and Honorary Trustee, Hawai'i Rep. Barbara Marumoto; an aloha to long-time HUGS Honorary Trustee and OHA Trustee Oswald Stender, and HTH Corp. president Corine Hayashi, who has been named HUGS Volunteer of the Year 2006; and recognition of two "Super Teen" award winners for their volunteer work.

Following the fundraiser dinner, HUGS will hold smaller events throughout the year in honor of its 25th anniversary, including its monthly family dinners and the Celebration of Life event where past and current HUGS families gather together for a picnic, fun activities and a remembrance ceremony in honor of the children who have passed on.

Over the past 25 years, HUGS has helped to support more than 1,400 family members for an average of three years each, providing a variety of different services for families in need. Additionally, hundreds of non-HUGS families have been served through the agency's two hospital outreach programs in 3 area hospitals.

Founded in 1982, HUGS was formed by a small group of volunteers from the Unity Church who recognized the many challenges and stresses that families with seriously ill children face. The volunteers dedicated themselves to establishing an agency that would provide support and compassion to help keep these families together.

On average, the organization provides services to 175 families a year statewide. HUGS is a community-supported agency that receives funding through Aloha United Way, fundraisers, grants, and donations.