Aloha and mahalo

About 350 guests donned leis, Hawaiian print shirts and other casual beach attire at the Boys & Girls Club of Benton County's annual Beach Party July 31 at John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers.

The event was held the evening before the Mobil1 Summer Classic Golf Tournament, played at Kingswood and Berksdale golf courses in Bella Vista. The golf tournament and beach party raised a combined total of $101,182, said Jacob Hutson, chief professional officer at the Boys & Girls Club of Benton County. Proceeds will go toward supporting the organization's after-school program for fall and next spring, "making sure kids have a great place to go," he added. The Boys & Girls Club of Benton County serves thousands of kids annually through its after-school, summer and athletic youth development programs, according to its website, bgcbentoncounty.org. The nonprofit organization offers a safe, convenient and affordable place for children to learn, play, socialize and develop skills that are essential to a successful and productive future, according to the website.

The Beach Party featured hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, dancing and entertainment provided by Boom Kinetic. The silent auction, which included more than 175 items, brought in about $9,000, Hutson said.

Jody Pinson of Walmart was the honorary event chairman.

The buffet menu included Hawaiian macaroni salad and slaw, teriyaki pork with pineapples and peppers, Tiki Tiki chicken satay, toasted macadamia rice, aloha sweet potato mash, vegetable kabobs, sweet dinner rolls and a Hawaiian dessert station with coconut cake, mango parfaits and cheesecake. A candy table featured chocolate treats provided by the Hershey Company.

At the Mobil1 Summer Classic Tournament, Reynolds Consumer Products was the team winner at the Kingswood course, and the Del Monte team took first place at the Berksdale course, according to the website.