Oh what a night! On March 2, 2024 we celebrated our 17th Annual Art Auction: Bloom with a Live Event held on our very own campus. Thorough planning by our diligent host committee and staff team led to an event that was vibrant, creative, energetic, and fun. We felt a genuine brightness as everyone came together with their collective energy making the evening truly memorable. Mahalo to our volunteers, artists, staff, vendors, and event attendees for their support in nurturing our vision, allowing it to flourish and bloom.

We extend our deepest gratitude to each individual who helped us surpass our fundraising goal, raising over $176,000! As our biggest fundraising event of the year, we are thrilled to have hosted a successful auction. This recognition affirms that the Mill is integral to the arts community as a space to make, explore, and heal. On behalf of our entire team, thank you!

A notable highlight of the evening was the presence of Mayor Mitch Roth and Representative Kristin Kahaloa, who honored us with a proclamation and certificate in commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the historic Donkey Mill building. Constructed in 1954, the Donkey Mill has served as a place of convergence since its inception. Mahalo to our County and State for recognizing this milestone.

Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate our historic building and spend time in engagement, planning, and development with our stakeholders and community as we forge ahead on our master campus plan.

If you haven’t visited us recently, we invite you to explore our website for upcoming events and activities. There’s always something inspiring happening at the Mill!

Aloha nui,

Ashley Raymond
Executive Director

The Breakdown

Total raised: Over $176,000

  • Artwork sales: $87,000+
  • Sponsorship: $51,500
  • Individual Donations: $37,000+
  • 79% of the artwork sold
  • 88 Participating Artists

The total raised accounts for 16% of our 2024 operating budget.

Mahalo to Our Sponsors

Bloom: Annual Art Auction was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: Hōlualoa Inn, Kona Frame Shop, Charter Spectrum, Kona Trans, Huggos/On The Rocks/Lava Lava/Kai Eats+Drinks, Bliss in Bloom, Opihi.io, Knutson & Associates, Pā‘ina Pantry, Spirited Cocktail Catering, Hawaii Trust & Estate Counsel, MyBar, BREW, Mauka to Makai, 2:40 Media, Kona Wine Market, Wasabi Tours Hawaii, Cris & Eric Lindborg, Dovetail Gallery & Design, Eric Edwards Studio, and Community Eats.

Mahalo Nui Loa to Our Events Team

Auction Chair: John Roth

Auction Committee: Mina Elison, Terry Field, Matt Harper, Valerie Delahaye-Ippolito, Cris Lindborg, John Linder, Miho Morinoue, Elliot Omiya, Sonia Nelson, Ashley Raymond, Krista Skehan, and Cynthia Smith.

Auction Emcee: Mallibu Del Rey

Event Coordinator: Molly Johnston of Bliss In Bloom

Videographers: Gywn Griffiths & Josh Lambus of Kona Media Creative

Photographer: Eric Edwards

Florals Visionary: Valerie Delahaye-Ippolito

Florals Team: Akiko Cutlip, Noriko Morisaki Donna, Cris Lindborg, Thalia Fajens, Melissa, Maia Sanders and Kanja King

Bliss In Bloom Team: Allison Bennett, Kristen Haspe, Lynn Martinez, and Martha Bennett

Volunteers: Aaron Tanimoto, Abby Paterson, Allison Tan, Amanda Breton, Andy Roos, Austin Chu, Brian Nichols, Ed Duncan, Gosia Krepps, Grace Emanuel, Helen Aprikyan, Jackie Orsa, Monika Kwon, Ryan L, Sean Newton, Stan Lurbiecki, Tim Nelson, and Dr. Xander Boger.

Bloom Annual Art Auction Fundraising Live Event