By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

LIGHT IN THE EVE’S Pineapple Ball on Saturday raised a total of $12,000, and after deducting expenses, $8,000 will be donated to the Commonwealth Diabetes Coalition.
Over $5,000 was raised through the live auction of handwoven crafts, paintings and a date with two of the island’s celebrities.
This amount was the highest ever raised compared to auctions in the previous Pineapple Ball events that raised an average of $2,000 to $3,000.
This year’s ball held at the Hyatt Regency Saipan Giovanni’s Restaurant also marked Light in the Eve’s fifth anniversary.
The annual event has raised more than $30,000 over the years for the Marianas March Against Cancer, Karidat’s Guma Esperansa, the NMI Humanities Council, the Motherread/Fatherread program, Connecting Families Inc., and the Micronesian Legal Services.
Saturday’s ball was themed following the first Pineapple Ball held in 2003, a black and white evening with golden pineapples. The group’s slogan is “Give Hope. Create Possibilities.”
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our sponsors, guests, artists and supporters who have made this event a success for the CNMI Diabetes Coalition,” said Light in the Eve president Teresa Kim. “It was a fun evening for a great cause.”
Five paintings and drawings were auctioned on Saturday, including the 1974 acrylic “The Tank,” donated by Marianas Variety publisher Abed E. Younis.
Also auctioned were the photographs of Dr. Jack Hardy titled “View of Saipan’s West Coast,” and Dr. Mark Robertson’s ”Sea Turtle” and “Butterfly Fish.”
A date with 2002 Miss NMI Universe and now KSPN reporter Gin Gridley, at the Hyatt Regency drew a winning bid of $475, while a date with Marianas High School basketball team coach Nick Gross fetched $275.
Also auctioned were two rounds of golf at Laolao Bay, a one-year membership at Gold’s Gym, and a Burberry purse from DFS Galleria.
Reina Camacho was the highest bidder for a one-year subscription of Marianas Variety that was auctioned for $150.
The master of ceremonies on Saturday was attorney Robert T. Torres, a volunteer member of the diabetes coalition.
Light in the Eve Foundation officers are Teresa Kim, president; Laila Y. Boyer, vice president; Peter Sablan, treasurer; and Jojo Alepuyo, secretary.
The members are Michelle Lin, Carline Sablan, Ed Manibusan, Dave Palacios, Laurence Boyer, Reina Camacho, Marcia Calvo and Jennifer W. Aguon.