A benefit festival will honor the lives of Kaeden and Dexen Matsuyama and raise support for their family Sunday at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay Kaleiopapa Convention Center.
Planned from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the event will feature live entertainment by Anuhea, Bulla Kailiwai, Loeka and Na Kahua, celebrity chef tastings and keiki activities.
When first-grader Allan Jose Jr. went to school Jan. 29 he learned his classmate and best friend, Kaeden, and his brother, Dexen, died the night before when fire consumed their home. The 6-year-old couldn’t comprehend the situation, but was immediately compelled to help.
“All he knew was something happened to Kaeden and his family and we needed to help them,” said his father, Allan Jose.
The boys’ sisters, ages 3 and 16, survived along with their parents, Dexter and Adrenne Matsuyama.
Jose contacted some friends and several volunteers came forward to plan the fundraiser. Musicians, chefs and businesses offered their time and services and Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay donated use of its facilities.
“They absolutely just gave us the world,” said Jose.
The event was aptly named Kuikahi Kaiaulu, which means a village unites.
Silent auction items contributed include a round of golf for two with lunch at Kohanaiki, a $2,000 termite treatment by Akamai Pest Solutions, gift certificates to area restaurants and items given by each craft vendor at the show.
“When a family loses not only their home but two children in the home, it brings the entire community together,” said Jose.
Matthew Grauso, general manager of Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, was also impressed by the effort.
“Living in Hawaii for over 12 years, I have been a part of many outreach events which have supported a wide range of common needs in the community,” said Grauso. “However, seeing how the Kona community has bonded to support the Matsuyama ohana is a first for me. It goes way beyond our traditional outreach with local nonprofit organizations. We are humbled and thankful to be able to contribute.”
Katie Vanes, public relations and social media manager for Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, said during her career she has never seen so many community members come together to help one of their own.
A keiki area, silent auction and craft booths open at 10 a.m. Entry is free to the auction and craft show and cost for the keiki corner is $10. Kids can expect cotton candy, balloons, face painting and water slides. Parents should bring towels and a change of clothes for their children. The Konawaena High School varsity softball team will watch over the keiki corner and security will also be provided.
Entertainment begins at 2 p.m. inside the convention center, as well as Hawaii Island chef presentations and food tastings offered by Sam Choy; Brian Fujikawa, Sun Dried Specialties; Nakoa Pabre, Umekes; Will Hing, William Hing Catering; Matt Naula, Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay; Robin Ganir, Broke Da Mouth Grindz; Ash Danao, Rolls With It; Scott Hiraishi, Feeding Leaf; Fank Kram, Daylight Mind Coffee Co. and Raymond Torcato, Cafe Avalux.
Adult tickets are $40, which includes the chef tastings and entertainment. Because so many goods and services were donated, 100 percent of the ticket price will be given directly to the Matsuyama family.
Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Aloha Kia Kailua-Kona dealership or by calling Jose at 960-0355 or Mehana Kihoi at 747-5612. Some tickets may be available at the door, but Jose recommends advance purchase because he expects all 600 available tickets to sell out.