The public is asked to fill the hats with donations to benefit the local chapter, which responds to about 120 disasters a year, said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, chief executive officer of the Hawai'i chapter.

The event will kick off Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Tamarind Park in downtown Honolulu.

The chapter will also be selling $10 filet mignon plates from Morton's, The Steakhouse Honolulu.

The celebrity Jan Ken Po contest will be held at noon, featuring well-known business professionals and community leaders. Honolulu prosecuting attorney Peter Carlisle will serve as emcee.

On Saturday volunteers will collect donations at various locations around the state.

This two-day event is part of the local chapter's celebration of National Red Cross Month.

For more information, call 734-2101 or visit www.hawaiiredcross.org.