THE SHOWROOM IS OPEN!!!

Photo courtesy of http://facebook.com/HawaiiDeals

O.M.G. I can hardly believe it. After months of incredibly hard work by countless people, the Cathy's Marketplace showroom is open for business! We're all so sleep-deprived that it almost seems like a dream ... except that last Thursday night, our showroom in the Varsity Building on University Avenue came alive with a traditional blessing, gourmet dishes, live entertainment by Tahiti Rey and aerial silk dancers, donations pouring in for the American Cancer Society, and 400 invited guests to help us kick off with a bang!

I want to thank all of you who have been waiting these last few months, and those who have given us your support in so many ways. I hope to see you at our showroom at 1110 University Ave. (across from Puck's Alley and Bubbie's Homemade Ice Cream). Our phone number is 738-8488 and our hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Here are some snaps from our grand opening gala. See you soon!

The line started early! People started arriving right after the blessing.

Our first guests fill the showroom. Models definitely bring the furniture vignettes to life!

Eye candy of a different sort. The showroom sells accessories as well as furniture.

Our models were a hit, but I don't know how they stayed still all night!
Our friend Sam, left, with CM's Lissa and Chelsey.
And more eye candy! We've filled the space with lots of different decorating styles.
Grey Goose provided a cocktail and martini bar right inside the showroom.
CM's Caty with a friend from Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate.
The showroom even has a wine bar, selling lots of wine accessories (but no wine!).
Time to mingle! Me with guests.
Samadhi sent its aerial burlesque acrobats, who were amazing on the trapeze.

Most of the party took place outside. Here, the VIP tables.

We are so grateful to our platinum sponsor, Dr. Lawrence Tseu, who suggested the American Cancer Society as the beneficiary of the event. Here, Dr. Tseu with former Gov. Linda Lingle.

More eye candy! Actually, these beauties were Dr. Tseu's guests.

Eye candy for the tummy: Deep-fried Hamakua mushroom risotto from Memoirs Catering.

The food did not disappoint. Our friend D.K. Kodama with luscious steak from d.k Steakhouse.
Sansei's famous crab truffle ramen. Look at those truffle bits!
These gals loved Town restaurant's fresh pulled mozzarella.
Our friend Maile from her namesake restaurant, with a perfect pad Thai and Penang curry.
JJ's Bistro's delicious desserts.

My pride and joy, Nicki, sang a special tribute to Dr. Tseu.

Our models were a huge hit, and you can see why!

Jeweler Dale Cripps donated this $5,600 sapphire-and-diamond pendant as the night's grand prize. Also given away in a random drawing: Tickets for 2 on Hawaiian Airlines.

Drawing for the grand prize. Each $50 gift certificate purchased got you one chance to enter, and benefited the American Cancer Society. Now, drumroll, please ...

... And the winner is ...

Toby Tamaye of AT Marketing! Congratulations! Boy, is his wife a lucky woman!

The CM team: Lissa, Chelsey, Caty, me and Kara. I cannot say enough about these amazing gals, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be launching this new chapter with them.

Credit for the photos in this blog goes to
RSVPstyle/CM writer and editor Mari Taketa
and to Hawaii Deals at http://facebook.com/HawaiiDeals