The White Center Community Development Association (WCCDA) hosted a "Luau in the Park" Saturday, Aug. 29 to benefit their organization. It was the WCCDA's third annual benefit and first to be held outside in the White Center Heights Park, at Southwest 102nd Street and 7th Avenue Southwest.

The non-profit group helped create the park.

Community members were invited to an evening of island-style merriment with a real pig in the “imu” (pit).

"I'm really happy to be here today," said Colette Ogle, a guest with Boeing's Global Corporate Citizenship to support local neighbors and neighborhoods. "It's gorgeous. The WCCDA is inspiring the residents by taking the lead to make the neighborhood healthy and strong."

Karen Veloria chaired the event and said she was thrilled that it was held outside and that the skies cleared up by early evening.

"I lived in Hawaii four years when my dad was in the navy but I lived mostly here," said Aileen Balahadia, executive director of the WCCDA. "We like to think of this luau as a big community celebration. We are really cherishing our neighborhood parks here. Parks might be closing with budget problems in the county. It's timely this is happening to show how much our community loves its open spaces.

Earlier this month, King County Executive Kurt Triplett announced the county would no longer operate 39 of its parks, including White Center Heights Parks, to save about $5 million and help cover a projected budget gap of $56 million. The county is hoping nearby cities to annex them for no cost.

"In 2007 Staaqrbucks money helped WCCDA create an ultimate park makeover in this park," recalled Balahadia. "It took six months to plan but we built it over a weekend with the help of a lot of volunteers. Before, it was just a flat space of burnt grass with sad little bench that nobody sat on."