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Moving IONA's annual benefit party to the lavish and exotic E&O Trading Company opened up new options for our party planners in 2005.

Cheryl Flaharty, creative director, chose "Shake Your Buddha" as the theme -- every table had its own personal Buddha, sitting as the centerpiece, contemplating or entertaining through the evening.

These were no ordinary Buddhas -- cowgirls, madonnas, bellhops, disco divas -- as well as the traditional Buddhas of compassion -- were all there for the party. As were members of the Emmy-Award-winning cast of "Lost", and many others. Not many parties get reviewed in the newspaper, but this one did.

The event was a sellout, the foot massage room staffed by Iona's famous "cabana boys" was in constant use, the silent auction was busy, and the conga disco line of guests, dancers and Buddhas went on into the night. Here are some photos.

If you haven't experienced an IONA benefit bash, you haven't fully experienced Honolulu. Click here to get on the list for the 2006 party, "Where The Wild Things Are", in November 2006.