Interfaith Alliance holding award event

The Interfaith Alliance Hawai‘i is taking reservations for its 10th annual Awards Celebration and Dinner Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Honpa Hongwanji Betsuin Hawaii, 1727 Pali Highway.

There is no charge, but reservations must be made by Nov. 12. Event registration begins at 5 p.m. Email Cecilia Fordham at fordhamh001@hawaii.rr.com or Randolph Sykes at randolphsykes@hawaii.rr.com.

Joel and Michelle Levey will be the keynote speakers on "Compassion in Action: Spirit of Kindness," offering insights and inspiring stories about how the true spirit of compassion is expressed through action. They are founders of Wisdom at Work, a Seattle-based firm dedicated to developing and renewing organizational cultures and communities.

Awards will be given to people and organizations that have promoted hope, healing, nonviolent civic participation and community activism.

Support outreach efforts at sweetfest

Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Kailua will hold its 10th annual Chocolate Extravaganza fundraiser Nov. 10 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the church, 780 Keolu Drive.

Proceeds will benefit the church’s outreach ministries and Family Promise of Hawai‘i.

Tickets are $25 pre-sale and $30 at the door for the all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet, chocolate fountain and silent auction. Free for children 6 and under. A $35 limited-seating VIP event in the church’s garden will begin at 5 p.m.

For tickets and information, call 262-4548 or visit www.emmanuelkailua.com.

Donors include 3660 on the Rise, Morton’s the Steakhouse, Manoa Chocolate, Hokulani Bake Shop, La Tour Bakehouse, JJ Bistro & French Pastry, Agnes’ Portuguese Bake Shop, Cinnamon’s Restaurant and Buzz’s Lanikai. Silent-auction donors include Vacations Hawaii, Hawaii Opera Theatre, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Baci Bistro, Bead It!, Big City Diner, Helena’s Hawaiian Food, Bookends, Picket Fence Florist and Anuenue Gems & Jewels.

Family Promise works with more than 65 interfaith congregations to help shelter, feed and support Hawaii’s homeless families with children, according to a news release. Call 548-7478 or visit www.familypromisehawaii.org.

2 chaplains join Hospice Hawai‘i

Hospice Hawai‘i announced Friday it has hired two new chaplains, the Rev. Nayer Taheri and Chaplain Jessica Knutzen. They will direct Hospice Hawai‘i’s Patient and Family Services.

Taheri is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and has been serving pediatric and adult patients in hospital and hospice settings for more than 15 years. Knutzen is a clinically certified chaplain and holds a master’s degree in divinity, worship, theology and the arts from Fuller Theological Seminary.

For information about Hospice Hawai‘i, visit www.hospicehawaii.org.