The inaugural "Malama Palama Gala" will celebrate Palama Settlement’s 117th year of service in one of Oahu’s neediest neighborhoods at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at The Modern Honolulu hotel.

Cecelia Blackfield, a longtime key donor, and Skippa Diaz — the legendary Farrington High School football player and coach who got his start in sports at Palama — will be honored.

A silent auction and reception will be followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.; semi-formal attire is requested. Tihati Productions will provide entertainment, and Kimo Kahoano will serve as master of ceremonies.

Tables of 10 are still available for sponsorship, and all proceeds will enable Palama to be open on weekends when neighborhood youth are most in need, according to a news release. Funds raised will also go toward maintaining two 1920s-era buildings.

Former Govs. George Ariyoshi and Ben Cayetano, who as children took advantage of Palama Settlement programs, have signed a letter of support for the fundraiser, along with other two other former governors, John Waihee and Linda Lingle.

The Modern Honolulu is at 1775 Ala Moana Blvd. For information and reservations, email Wendy Abe at wabe@palamasettlement.org; or call 848-2501/2518.