LIHU‘E — By itself, live music is a wonderful thing. Make it a fundraiser for local youth with physical and mental disabilities — similar to Neil Young’s annual Bridge School Benefit Concert — and you’ve got something truly great. On
LIHU‘E — By itself, live music is a wonderful thing. Make it a fundraiser for local youth with physical and mental disabilities — similar to Neil Young’s annual Bridge School Benefit Concert — and you’ve got something truly great.
On Thursday, reggae-infused pop-rock artist Dominic Balli will headline a benefit concert for Young Life Capernaum of Kaua‘i, a nonprofit organization that has been active on the island since 2010.
The event is from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center in Lihu‘e and includes live entertainment, food booths and a silent auction. Additional entertainment will include performances by local violinist Aowl Owen and indie-rock band The Buddy System, as well as the Kaua‘i Underground Artists (KUGA) dance group.
Jerik Centeno, one of many Capernaum volunteers and a member of The Buddy System, said he is pushing for a large turnout at the event to support what he described as a “really awesome” group of youngsters.
“They’re all really nice and loving,” he said. “If you just say ‘hi,’ they will remember you forever.”
Since its beginning, Young Life Capernaum’s goal has been helping young people across Kaua‘i with physical and developmental disabilities discover meaning and purpose in their lives, according to the group’s website. Through its club, camp and other activities, participants enjoy fun and adventure, develop fulfilling friendships, challenge themselves and bolster self esteem.
“We help these kids feel accepted and included in the community,” said Ana Munoz, the program’s volunteer director. “This organization has helped them experience their God-given talents: pottery, swimming, surfing, painting, water olympics, music, dancing and more.”
Three years ago, Munoz said she wanted her 15-year-old daughter, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome, to attend summer camp.
“I went with my daughter to Arizona and we got to experience camp,” Munoz recalled. “When we got back I was like, ‘We’ve got to start something here’ … A lot of these kids aren’t able to travel. I wanted to bring camp to Kaua‘i.”
That’s exactly what she did. For the past two summers, Young Life Capernaum has held a 5-day camp at Kahili Mountain Park, with 25 special needs youth and more than 50 volunteers.
In additional to the annual camp, Capernaum — meaning “City of Comfort” — holds monthly clubs for its VIPs, who are paired with trained volunteer leaders.
“It’s kind of like a big brother, big sister for the day,” Munoz said. “(The club) helps a lot of these kids know who they are, that they were created in a special way.”
Like the youth, Munoz said volunteers fall in love with the program because they get to learn from one another and from the children.
“Their friendships last forever,” she said. “We want to bring in more awareness of accepting these kids and including them. That’s why I wanted to do this concert.”
Balli, the evening’s headliner, hails from Oxnard, Calif. and stepped onto the music scene six years ago. With influences ranging from Stevie Wonder to Bob Marley to Lauren Hill, his music is a combination of soulful melodies, gripping lyrics and make-you-move grooves, according to his biography. His first independent release, “Public Announcement,” sold more than 20,000 copies and produced a Top 30 Christian Hit radio single with “All We Need is Love” in 2010.
In addition to the entertainment, Munoz said the benefit will feature a concession stand with lots of local favorites, as well as a silent auction table featuring artwork and pottery made by Capernaum’s VIPs.
“Next to their piece of art, they will have their picture and bio for everyone to see and place a bid,” she said. “That money is actually going to go toward their summer camp in July.”
Additionally, there will be gifts certificates to a wide variety of local businesses.
Munoz said the event is going to be “a lot of fun,” with great music for an even better cause. All proceeds will go toward Young Life Capernaum and its mission.
“I think that this organization is going to continue to grow,” Munoz said. “I’m just praying that everyone here in Kaua‘i will get to know about this.”
Tickets for the Jan. 24 benefit concert cost $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Presale tickets can be purchased at La Bamba Mexican Restaurant, Two Frogs Hugging and Specialty Balloons Hawai‘i. This special event is sponsored in part by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation.
Capernaum is part of Young Life, a non-denominational, faith-based organization founded in 1941 and now active in every state and in over 80 countries around the world. Capernaum on Kaua‘i has been active since 2010 and works with approximately 25 special needs children.
To volunteer or for more information about Young Life Capernaum of Kaua‘i or Thursday’s benefit concert, contact Ana Munoz at 652-5173 or bambaana@aol.com.
• Chris D’Angelo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 241) or lifestyle@thegardenisland.com.
The article titled “Benefit concert Thursday for Young Life Capernaum” misstated the date of the concert. The benefit concert is Jan. 24, not Jan. 17.
