Country star's efforts help stock Maui Food Bank
By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui Bureau
WAILUKU, Maui — The shelves at the Maui Food Bank were wiped out in the weeks following the Sept. 11 terror attacks, a situation that left the nonprofit agency scrambling to fulfill its mission.
Gannett News Service
But last night the Food Bank received a huge shot in the arm, thanks to entertainer Willie Nelson and the generosity of Maui residents.
Willie Nelson, part-time Maui resident felt healthier yesterday.
More than 1,500 people showed up for a benefit concert at War Memorial Stadium featuring the country legend, who is a part-time Maui resident; comedian Bill Dana, who also lives on Maui; and several local performers.
Admission was free to "In the Spirit of Unity, a Maui County Thanksgiving," which was co-sponsored by Maui County.
But those who attended were asked to bring canned goods or other nonperishable food items or to make a monetary donation to the Maui Food Bank.
Officials said they were overwhelmed by the amount of food they took in. Nearly 1,500 pounds had been collected midway through the show, they estimated.
"You've knocked our socks off," said Debra Johnson, food bank director, to the crowd. "Other food banks are green with envy."
The event was the idea of Mayor James "Kimo" Apana, who wanted to do something to lift spirits of the community since the terror attacks.
The mayor previously had asked Nelson to perform at a prayer service shortly after the attacks, but he declined because he wasn't feeling well.
But he did say to call him again if his help were needed, and Apana took him up on it.
Apana and his staff enlisted the services of Wayne Hikiji of Envisions Entertainment. The bill also included Maui County performers Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka, Gina Martinelli, and Moloka'i's Raiatea Helm.
"I came to see Willie Nelson," said Jacquie Barkwell of Kihei, who wore a blouse made from an American flag.
Nelson, accompanied by the Maui band Planetary Pulse, played a string of his hits, including "On the Road Again," "Crazy" and "Always on my Mind."
County officials dedicated part of the event to active duty military personnel, Maui County veterans, police, firefighters and rescue workers.
The evening started with a procession of military troops, veterans, firefighters, police officers and rescue workers. It ended with a grand fireworks display.
