NAWILIWILI — Proceeds from the “Help Feed Kaua‘i” concert will benefit the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank and its programs like emergency food distributions.
Security National Mortgage Company presents “Help Feed Kaua‘i” on Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Anahola Marketplace.
“Help Feed Kaua‘i” is a food drive coupled with a free music fesival featuring artists like Sashamon, Da Funk! Band, and Tropical Groove, where everyone, residents and visitors alike, is welcome to the family-friendly event.
The Anahola Marketplace is an indoor-outdoor covered venue that recently expanded the size of its covered entertainment area. While some tables and chairs are available, attendees are advised to bring beach chairs or blankets for outdoor seating.
People are welcome to BYOB, and their dancing shoes. Food is available.
Live music and dancing will be courtesy of Kaua‘i’s own Sashamon, who will be performing along with the funky sounds of Da Funk! band. Tropical Groove is the duet of Haunani Kaui and Linda Tani.
There is no cover charge, but people are encouraged to donate a nonperishable food item.
Other sponsors for the “Help Food Kaua‘i” event include Tamba Surf Company, Pancho’s Pizza and Big Wave Dave’s.
Mike Vallee, a longtime musician and a resident of Kalaheo, founded the food drive/music festival last year after realizing that having his band, Da Funk!, organize, coordinate and benefit a local charity would be a good way to give back to the community.
Following its first benefit concert for Malama Kaua‘i, Vallee’s “Help Feed Kaua‘i” event raised more than 600 pounds of food and more than $2,000 in financial donations.
The Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank was founded in 1992 on the heels of Hurricane ‘Iniki that blew across the island. Initially operated purely by volunteers, the KIFB distributed more than 5 million pounds of emergency food to hurricane victims.
By 1994, the food bank served about 10,000 individuals a month, or about 20 percent of the island’s population. That was the same year the Kaua‘i Food Bank incorporated, secured recognition as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, and developed staff into an award-winning organization, including earning the reputation of being the most innovative food bank in Hawai‘i.
Today, the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank solicits and distributes nearly 200,000 pounds of food annually to feed more than 430,000 meals to people.
