PO‘IPU — A crowd of approximately 80 people gathered at the Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa Jan. 20 for refreshments, food and classical music to benefit the Kaua‘i United Way.
“Classics … the Kaua‘i United Way” featured performances by world-class musicians Ani Kavafian (violin), Yura Lee (violin/viola) and Laurence Lesser (cello) from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Auction items included trips to Europe, New York City and San Francisco.
“It was amazing … our best one yet,” Executive Director Scott Giarman said. “Very, very beautiful.”
Despite a large turnout, Giarman said the performance remained incredibly intimate, with the performers sharing stories about their instruments and interacting with the audience. Several local students — including Cheryl Underwood, Nathaniel Smith, Aidan Smith, Megan Lake, Dante Dolor, Julianne Hu, Charlerdle Chantara, Biorn Chantara, Olivia Gegen and Lydia Dawson — were treated to a personal visit with the musicians.
“Everybody had a fantastic time,” Giarman said.
In addition to Sunday’s event in Po‘ipu, the musicians performed Jan. 19 at Elizabeth Freeman’s estate in Kilauea.
Although he did not yet have final numbers, Giarman estimated that the two events brought in “at least 3 percent” toward the United Way’s Annual Campaign goal of $635,0000.
“(Prior to the events) we were at 88 percent of our goal,” he said. “We’re getting there.”
Kaua‘i United Way supports dozens of social service programs — all here on Kaua‘i — that save lives every day and directly benefit tens of thousands of local people every year. Donations are accepted at 245-2043 or online at www.kauaiunitedway.org.
