The November networking event at Mahalo Garden City area businesspeople and residents filled the Mahalo Health Spa and Natural Organic Café on November 8 for their first of many events entitled "Networking Extra: a Mahalo Tea & Tonic Tasting."

Mahalo owner Vivian Chu welcomed her guests and explained what motivated her to begin this venture two years ago: after cancer took the lives of her husband and parents, she wanted to dedicate her life to helping people be happier and healthier.

David Yao, Café Manager of Mahalo talked about the many health benefits of eating organic and vegetarian food. Guests mingled as Ms. Chu gave personal tours of the spa. Several members from the Garden City Chamber of Commerce attended, including Carol Mangels of The Island and Kathryn Tomao of the Law Office of Peter Tomao.

Five guests walked away with one of the door prizes that included a facial, reflexology treatment or manicure and everyone left the event happy with a full stomach, new acquaintances, and a gift bag full of organic snacks, information and an invitation to the next event entitled "A Happy Healthy Hour" on December 7 from 4:00-6:30.