“Austin or Bust” – Keiki FUNraiser

The Friday Night Crew (FNC) youth group presents an epic community rummage sale as the final push of their “Austin or Bust” fund drive, on Saturday, July 13, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Waimea’s Church Row.  The “Keiki FUNraiser” makes it fun to shop, with party bouncers for kids, the original Texeira Malasadas, shave Ice, cotton candy, popcorn and more, bringing community together to help our youth reach their goals.

Vendors are needed, and individuals, churches, community organizations, sports teams, school groups and others are urged to sign up now at Mama’s House in Waimea, or call 887-2289. Booth fee is only $15, BYOS (Bring Your Own Setup, tents, tables, chairs, etc.)

“Our goal is $15,000,” said Beth Mehau, Executive Director of The Pantry, FNC’s parent nonprofit.  “And we are getting there, step by step. These youth have been working hard to raise funds for their trip to Austin, Texas for national drug and alcohol prevention training. They have done this for the last two years, and returned with skills and resources to share with their peers and give back to the community.”

Photo courtsey of The Pantry, Friday Night Crew members Hoku Pagan, Viviana Mehau, Matt Horne and Makanani Akau, at a strategic presentation.

FNC members FNC members join youth from across the nation during the Community Anti-Drug Coalition Association (CADCA) mid-year training, July 21-25. They will also visit Venice Beach, California to continue an ongoing survey of the impact of marijuana dispensaries on beach communities, and to meet with John Redman of Californians for Drug-Free Youth. They will assist Redman with his presentation about Project SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) during the CADCA training.  Redman, former U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy and Dr. Kevin Sabet spoke in Waimea in March 2013, during the first Project SAM forum.

“Our youth are really youth leaders,” said Mehau.  “They want to be resources for their peers, and the Keiki FUNraiser is a way the whole community can help them get this important prevention training.  So, we’re inviting families to stop by Church Row after their weekly outing to the farmer’s markets.”

For more information, to sign up as a rummage sale vendor or make a direct donation of cash or items, please contact Beth Mehau at The Pantry office, 808-887-2289, bethmehau@gmail.com.

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