Inspire 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Kapiolani: Throwback Prom Night

"To be able to support a vision that Martha had and a cause that meant so much to her, it means a lot to me.”
Emalia Pietsch Hogan, Kapiolani Young Leaders Board member

Kapiolani Health Foundation Young Leaders Board members (from left) Marissa Suehiro, Lindsay Kosasa, Dana Harvey, Doug Shimokawa, Emalia Pietsch Hogan, Jason Morgan, Kawika Fiddler and Gregg Yamauchi.

They’re called the young leaders, but they know how to throw an old-school party.

In November 2023, the Kapiolani Health Foundation’s Young Leaders Board hosted its ‘90s Prom Night in Kakaako. It was the board’s first in-person event.

As more than 200 guests walked through a massive balloon arch, they were transported back in time to when MTV defined cool and brick phones were all the rage. Dressed in quintessential ‘90s fashion trends — from plaid miniskirts and leopard-print suits to colored sunglasses and bandanas — they stopped by the Glam Station, entered raffles and celebrated raising money for the future Martha B. Smith Cancer & Infusion Center. After-dinner entertainment was all that and a bag of chips, thanks to the tunes of cover band Saved by the ‘90s. The Los Angeles-based musicians kept the dance floor packed with iconic hits, including “I Want It That Way” and “I’ll Be There for You.”

Guests danced to the ‘90s hits from the cover band Saved By the 90s.

Guests danced to the ‘90s hits from the cover band Saved By the 90s.

The event was a huge success, raising $278,225 for Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children.

The night was especially meaningful for Emalia Pietsch Hogan, event co-chair and Kapiolani Young Leaders Board member. Her 6-year-old son, Keahi, was born with a rare genetic disorder. Over the years, during numerous trips to Kapiolani, Emalia became friends with Martha, Kapiolani’s late CEO. One day, Martha told Emalia that she wanted to create a new board of young professionals from different industries who shared a passion for supporting Kapiolani.

“I told her I would love to be a part of it,” Emalia said. “Kapiolani has been a part of our lives and has supported us greatly through our medical journey. We feel blessed to be a part of the Kapiolani ʻohana and we want to support them anyway we can.”

Martha’s visionary leadership is still inspiring the board she created, and Emalia and the team were proud to dedicate the unforgettable night toward the center bearing Martha’s name.

“It has come full circle. To be able to support a vision that Martha had and a cause that meant so much to her, it means a lot to me.”