The folks at Honolulu Theatre for Youth wanted to put on a fundraiser with an original theme that would also include their organization's mission: to entertain and educate keiki and families through the performing arts.

The result: "It's a Jungle Out There! A Safari Champagne Tea PaHTY & Children's Fashion Show."

The event's theme ties into HTY's next production, "Jungle Book." Co-chairs Aubrey Hawk and Audra D. Stevenson put their heads together to include imaginative elements that would make the event fun for adults and youth.

It's a clever concept that plays to parental pride. Buy two tickets and you get to see your keiki on the runway. Buy a table for $2,500 and it includes runway space for seven young models of your choosing.

"For me the event is perfectly attuned to the organization — not like a silent auction in a big ballroom, where you forget who you're raising money for," Hawk said.

"Kids are involved, and there's an element of self-expression."

Stevenson said a keiki party that's as much fun as the adult party in the ballroom will take place backstage: "There's pizza and DVDs, and they get their hair and makeup done in this wild atmosphere while the adults have their civilized tea."

ADR Agency coordinates the runway show, which is directed by Stevenson, while Jessica Hoffman provides hair and makeup.

Adults are also invited to dress up, as "the hunter" in khaki (pith helmets optional) or "the hunted" in animal prints (tails optional). Dressing to theme has become trendy at Honolulu events, including ARTafter DARK, "Alice in Wonderland" night at Loft and "Dress You Up" '80s night at Bar 35 in Chinatown, and widespread embrace of costumes for Mardi Gras.

HTY acknowledges that "it's a jungle out there" for local retailers, as well. To give them some visibility on the runway, keiki will be modeling garments from BECCA Beach Kahala, The Blue Buddha, Crazy Shirts, Hawaiian Moon, Jams World, Kahala Sportswear, Kami Atelier Honolulu, Roxy/Quiksilver and Therapy Boutique.