KAPA‘A — Janet Carafa did not notice her hair sneaking into the nose she wore while watching the entertainment lineup progress during the “rehearsal” for the Second annual Telethon Fun-Raiser benefiting the Center for Spiritual Living Kaua‘i.
The errant hair was quickly corrected by the backstage crew and Carafa smoothed the nerves while the lineup moved through its order.
The Second annual CSL Telethon Fun-Raiser goes live from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today from the offices/ “television studio” of the Centers for Spiritual Living Kaua‘i in Kapa‘a. The live stream will be aired through the CSLKaua‘i.org website, CSL social media and YouTube.
“The theme of this telethon is ‘Kaua‘i Alive,’” said the Rev. Rita Andriello-Feren, a co-founder of CSL Kaua‘i. “We will showcase local talent featuring the culture of Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i through live performances as well as video created by our members and the greater Kaua‘i community.”
Melissa Mojo leads the backstage effort as the telethon’s live-stream programming director who guides the entertainment lineup that includes more than 40 local musicians, vocalists and inspiring speakers.
“Our goal is to raise funds for our expansion efforts while bringing the aloha spirit to our community and the world with more than six hours of nonstop entertainment,” said the Rev. Patrick Feren, a co-founder of CSL Kaua‘i. “This is a perfect way to connect our community during the pandemic while adhering to safety protocols.”
Some of those joining Carafa include Aimee and Jeremy Brown, Maria Christina, Kyle LaBenz, Hank Curtis, Steve Dubey, the Sacred Earth Choir, Kiah Abendroth, Daniel Dunne, Melissa Mojo, Trishana Star, Louise Arakaki, Mike Kobayashi, Michelle McBroom, the East Side Rhythm Tribe and more.
Based on the success of last year’s telethon that took place in the midst of the COVID-19 shutdown, the goal this year is to raise $50,000 that will help CSL to continue its youth program in a new space and expand the new CSL Institute of Magnificence.
“The institute’s mission is to bridge spirituality with the current discoveries of quantum science to live more-empowered lives,” Andriello-Feren said. “The plan is to incorporate a special scholarship fund for youth.”
During its inaugural telethon that took place under the veil of the pandemic, organizers said CSL raised nearly $35,000 and reached thousands of viewers around the globe while supporting the community.
“CSL Kaua‘i’s mission has always been to elevate consciousness and inspire,” said Feren.
“During the current pandemic, we are confident that we have done just that. It hasn’t been easy for any of us to continue our businesses and lives during this pandemic. More than ever, people have needed a place to feel safe and to strengthen their spiritual tools under great challenge. CSL Kaua‘i provides this space for everyone. It is not about religion, it is about spiritual, emotional and mental empowerment.”
• Info: 808-431-1700, CSLKaua‘i.org
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
