LIHUE — Thousands of people took advantage of clear skies to enjoy the 28th annual Kauai Hospice Concert in the Sky at the North Vidinha fields. “We’ve been doing this for 28 years,” said Lori Miller, executive director for Kauai
LIHUE — Thousands of people took advantage of clear skies to enjoy the 28th annual Kauai Hospice Concert in the Sky at the North Vidinha fields.
“We’ve been doing this for 28 years,” said Lori Miller, executive director for Kauai Hospice. “I don’t know how many tickets were sold, but it’s plenty. We have more than 500 volunteers working to make sure everything goes smoothly.”
Among those volunteers, Jim Jung came over to help his friend Jeffrey Pears with raising awareness on Kauai Hospice, taking time to distribute 150 small American flags to keiki coming in through the entrance.
“This celebration of America’s birthday brings our community together for a day full of fun and family while supporting the efforts of the staff and volunteers of Kauai Hospice,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. who arrived in time for the countdown of the pyrotechnic display.
Arthur Brun, one of the vendors in the food zone, made a donation to Kauai Hospice.
“This is not political,” Brun said. “My mother was diagnosed with cancer. When she was diagnosed, she was at Stage 4, and we were beneficiaries of Kauai Hospice care. On behalf of myself — not my political campaign — I want to contribute in memory of my mother.”
Brun’s contribution to the Kauai Hospice was accepted by Ron Wiley of the KQNG Radio Group who emceed the event, including guiding the entertainment headliners Shar Carillo and Kapena through the evening to the 3D Fireworks Show presented by King Auto Center.
“I just got home from London where the whole family went for a concert,” said Tina Brun who anchored the booth offering Caesar salad. “But we’ve done worse. We had to come to continue this tradition.”
Ian Versammy of the Kapaa High School JROTC also returned from a recent trip, attending the event to oversee the color guard, a special contingent of cadets performing a rifle drill, and other volunteers helping in the Kids Fun Zone.
Kauai Hospice’s mission is to ensure the highest quality of life possible for individuals and their families facing a life-threatening illness; to provide bereavement suport to individuals , and to promote an understanding of Hospice and Palliative Care services.
“It’s called Kauai Hospice’s special kind of caring,” Miller said. “Kauai Hospice is not just about how you die, it’s also about how you live. So live it up, friends.”
