Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank benefits from Anahola concert

ANAHOLA — The Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank was the beneficiary of a free music festival and food drive coordinated by Mike Vallee, also known as Dirk Debonaire, and the KIFB at the Anahola Marketplace, Saturday night.

“I was surprised by the outpouring of support,” said Kawai Gampon, the KIFB Programs Coordinator. “The support from the community was a lot more than I expected. Overall, we finished with $2,080 being contributed, and an additional 500 pounds of food.”

“Dirk Debonaire, Vallee’s stage name since 1981, and the Golden Nuggets was joined by Sashamon, and Tropical Groove that rocked the Marketplace to the enjoyment of hundreds of guests, including councilwoman Felicia Cowden who was taught the basics of lounge singing, Vegas style by Dirk,” Vallee said. “The Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank collected so much food, they had to bring in extra vehicles to cart it all away.”

The concert was coodinated to help the community, Vallee said.

“Folks came out in droves to support the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank,” he said. “They were treated to some great live music as well.”

Kelvin Moniz, the executive director of the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank, said the proceeds of the concert and food drive is greatly appreciated by KIFB and will be used toward the food bank’s commitment of completing its weekly distributions that include emergency food, healthy after-school snacks, the Backpack program, and shopping for kupuna.

“The band plans to host a Second (Annual) ‘Help Feed Kaua‘i’ food drive and free music festival again, next year,” Vallee said. “We want to thank our fellow musicians and all of those who came and donated.”