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Behind the Lavalava

@behindthelavalava

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A platform highlighting veterans, culture, and small businesses.

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In case you missed it, we were on @goodthingsutah with host @deena_marie this morning! Our 501c3 nonprofit is all about empowering veterans, their families, and youth through scholarships, grants, and meaningful community events. We’ve got exciting events coming up this year—check them out by following us on social media or visiting behindthelavalavafoundation.org. Big thanks to @think_brilliantly for setting up the interview!

#VeteranSupport #CommunityEvents #CommunityImpact #Scholarships #Grants #GoodThingsUtah #BehindTheLavalava #GivingBack #Empowerment #NonprofitLife
#Utah #SupportOurTroops by @behindthelavalava

Thrilled to announce that our small platform has been featured on @goodthingsutah alongside @mataiwatches. We are truly humbled by this opportunity to share our story with a wider audience. Thank you for giving us the spotlight to showcase what we do. #abc4utah #grateful #goodthingsutah #podcastlove #mataiwatches by @behindthelavalava

Throwback to our inaugural Pacific Island Veterans Day Dinner. It was a memorable night to honor all our veterans. The guests of honor were @sapoluj and @lksap66. Entertainment by @kananipuadance. Delicious buffet catered by @pasifikacornedbeefkitchen. Music by @_thee_djq. MC: @kolbyskloset of @kokocreationscompany. Decoration done by @paradise.porch.floral. Event organizer: @samanthafrueanharman. Color guard: @uvuarmyrotc. Video credit: @district22studios by @behindthelavalava

We’re able to honor and celebrate our veterans and their guests because of the generosity of our sponsors and partners. This annual dinner would not be possible without your continued support year after year. Thank you for standing with us and helping make this special evening possible for those who have served. We appreciate you! by @behindthelavalava

Our 4th Annual Pacific Island Veterans Day Dinner Gala is officially fully booked!

Still hoping to attend? Send us a DM or email behindthelavalavafoundation@gmail.com to be added to the waitlist in case a spot opens up due to a cancellation.

Thank you for the amazing support as we come together to honor and celebrate our veterans! by @behindthelavalava

Join us this Saturday, October 31, from 12–3 PM at the Valley Fair Mall parking lot in West Valley City for the 4th Annual Truck or Treat hosted by Day Won Foundation!

We’ll be handing out candy and having a great time with the community. You don’t want to miss this one!

Want to host a trunk? Scan the QR code or email info@daywonfoundation.org for more information. by @behindthelavalava

We’re grateful to receive a $750 Spark Good local grant from Walmart in Clinton (Store #5234). This support will help our NOVA program empower girls ages 8–16 through education on body care, healthy habits, and confidence.

Thank you, @walmart, for helping us create positive opportunities for our youth!

#SparkGood by @behindthelavalava

Veterans and friends, we’re just two weeks away from our 4th Annual Pacific Island Veterans Day Dinner Gala!

Join us Friday, November 6, at 6 PM at the Conference Center at Miller Campus in Sandy, Utah, presented by @aufcu.

You served. You sacrificed. You shouldn’t have to pay to be honored.

All veterans, active duty, Reserve, and National Guard members are invited to bring a guest and enjoy a FREE dinner, ceremonies, live entertainment, dancing, and raffles. Let’s come together as a community to honor those who have served.

RSVP through the link in our bio or the description. We hope to see you on November 6!

Register here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/4th-annual-pacific-island-veterans-day-dinner-gala by @behindthelavalava

Consider partnering with us as a sponsor for the Island Nations Festival, coming to Davis County in September 2027!

The Island Nations Festival is a multicultural celebration dedicated to sharing, teaching, and celebrating the cultures, traditions, and contributions of Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, and other diverse communities. Through cultural performances, food, educational exhibits, local vendors, family friendly activities, and community engagement, we aim to build cultural understanding, create economic opportunities, and bring people together.

Sponsorship opportunities include Title Sponsor at $7,500+, Founding Partner at $5,000, Gold Partner at $2,500, Silver Partner at $1,000, and Community Partner at $500.

In kind sponsorships are also welcome through donated goods, services, equipment, supplies, or professional expertise.

Your support helps make cultural performances, educational exhibits, veteran outreach, small business participation, community engagement, family activities, and festival operations possible.

Partner with us to celebrate our diverse cultures, strengthen our communities, and create lasting opportunities for future generations.

For more info send us a dm or contact behindthelavalavafoundation@gmail.com. by @behindthelavalava

This year, we are honored to welcome SGT Josh Hansen, U.S. Army (Retired), as a featured speaker at our 4th Annual Pacific Island Veterans Day Dinner Gala.

A two tour Iraq War veteran, Josh survived combat injuries, endured a long road to recovery, and turned his challenges into a mission to help others heal. Alongside his wife Melissa, he co founded @continue_mission, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans as they navigate life after service.

Josh’s journey is a powerful reflection of this year’s theme: “The Uniform Comes Off, But the Mission Continues.”

Join us as we hear a story of service, sacrifice, resilience, and purpose beyond the uniform. by @behindthelavalava

Meet the Heartbeat of the 4th Annual Pacific Island Veterans Day Dinner Gala! We are honored to announce Auro Iquitos Magalogo Sosi as the Master of Ceremonies for this year’s gala.

Auro is an educator, community advocate, and cultural advisor who is passionate about serving his community and preserving Pacific Islander heritage. As a teacher and Student Advocate at West Jordan High School, he has been the longest-standing teacher with the People of the Pacific (POP) program, helping it grow and reach more students and communities throughout the district and surrounding areas. Through his work, he strives to help young people embrace their identity, appreciate their heritage, and carry their culture forward with pride.

Auro also serves as the Founder and President of Manatua Festival, a community celebration dedicated to honoring Samoan heritage, empowering youth, and strengthening connections between generations.

Whether in the classroom or behind the microphone, Auro believes in the importance of bringing people together, honoring those who came before us, and making every person feel welcomed and valued. We are excited to have him help lead this special celebration honoring our veterans.

Please join us in welcoming Auro as the emcee of the 4th Annual Pacific Island Veterans Day Dinner Gala. @yourhighness06 @manatuafestival by @behindthelavalava

ATTENTION VETERAN BUSINESS OWNERS!
Are you a veteran or family member of a veteran who owns a business? Register as a vendor for Utah’s Largest Veteran-Owned Business Holiday Market!

Join us Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah, for our 3rd Annual Veteran-Owned Business Holiday Market, presented by @cypruscreditunion.

Bring the family and shop unique gifts, handcrafted products, specialty foods, and holiday favorites from veteran-owned businesses across Utah. Admission is FREE!

Vendor Applications:
https://form.jotform.com/262015763365053

Hosted by @behindthelavalavafoundation and the Utah Veteran Business Resource Center.

Shop local. Support veterans. Celebrate the holidays. by @behindthelavalava