LIHU‘E — “A Hope For Christmas Benefit Concert” held Friday at Kaua‘i Beach Resort raised several thousand dollars for two charities. The event, organized by Luis Soltren, Tommy Tokioka and Vance Pascua, drew a few hundred people from around Kaua‘i
LIHU‘E — “A Hope For Christmas Benefit Concert” held Friday at Kaua‘i Beach Resort raised several thousand dollars for two charities.
The event, organized by Luis Soltren, Tommy Tokioka and Vance Pascua, drew a few hundred people from around Kaua‘i including the mayor and County Council members, along with VIP visitors from O‘ahu. The beneficiaries were Soltren’s 25th annual children’s holiday gift-giving effort for needy and abused children, along with the Hope, Help & Healing Substance Abuse Treatment Program.
“We had a great time,” Soltren said. “It was a nice party.”
Soltren said the crowd ate their fill at the buffet, mingled and enjoyed a silent auction and a variety of live entertainment. He said the crowd pressed forward in excitement as Brother Noland took the stage.
Other entertainers included Leahi, Tommy Tokioka, Tsunami Taiko, Nam Jai Thai dancers, Miss Hawai‘i Filipina Topaz Fernandez, Opio Mokihana hula finalists, Halau Ka Lei Mokihana Leinaala, and Na Hoku O‘Kaua‘i Queens.
Soltren wanted to do all he could for Hope, Help & Healing Substance Abuse Treatment Program because he said the Tokioka’s do all they can for people who turn to them for help.
Tokioka is a professional musician who manages the program. His spouse, Malia Tokioka is a certified substance abuse counselor and operates the medical end of the nonprofit, faith-based outpatient treatment program for adults and teens struggling with substance abuse disorders.
Pascua is founder of Ainofea Extreme Sportswear Hawai‘i, and a promoter of major Mixed Martial Arts events.
Soltren, a Wailua home builder, has gained a name that is synonymous with the holiday season for a quarter-century of Soltren’s Bikes for Special Children Program. Up until last year he used his own money and relied on individual and corporate donations to buy bicycles and presents that volunteers assemble for a big gift-giving event.
The effort now employs a “Wish List” program in partnership with Rosie Carillo of the Children’s Justice Center. Children who would not otherwise have much of a holiday are identified through the Women’s Shelter, foster homes and social services.
Caseworkers collect the children’s top three gift requests and Carrillo compiles the wish lists and presents them to Soltren.
The gift-giving event will be held Sunday at 6 p.m. at Kaua‘i Beach Resort. There will be food and entertainment including Disney characters.
Those wishing to make monetary donations to the effort may call Soltren at 639-4836.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or by emailing tlaventure@thegardenisland.com.
