LAHAINA — Aloha, Make My Day Hawaii, a nonprofit memorial foundation with the mission to “Save the Music & Arts in Hawaii,” is launching a summer program for students.

The organization has teamed up with Deejay Blast and The Underground — Lahaina’s only underage club — to provide an opportunity for youth of all ages to show off their talents in front of professional judges.

Every Friday from 5 to 6:30 p.m., the organization will offer free mentoring for modeling, acting, portfolios and how to package your talent professionally.

Then, from 7 to 9 p.m., the contest will be held. Professionals in all fields will judge and mentor the youth, as well as give them a place to gather and enjoy the arts this summer.

The community has donated gifts, including activities, dining, photo services and retail prizes from merchants.

The top overall winner each week will receive a professional website with Focus International Model/Talent Agency.

Winners on July 29 will compete to win a three-day model/talent seminar worth $550 and a spot in the “X Factor” (American Idol’s Simon Cowell’s project) in Honolulu.

Each night at 9 p.m., the dance party begins with tunes by DJ Blast and his large screen laser lights show for young people under 21 only.

“We are so excited to help our youth have a place to be together honoring the arts. We hope all parents come by and check us out and support this summer project,” noted Debra Bridgers of Aloha, Make My Day Hawaii.

The organization seeks anyone who will volunteer as mentors or judges, as well as donations from businesses.

The foundation was established in memory of Debra’s son, Eric MacCammond, a surfer, artist and Lahainaluna High School student.

He had two wishes: to help children have art in their lives, and to give a portrait (which he painted as a Lahaina Arts Society member sitting under the Banyan Tree) of actor Clint Eastwood to the actor.

“I presented the painting at the 2002 Maui Film Festival to Clint Eastwood and his wife, Dena, and 60 days later, I received a handwritten letter and a check to start the 501(c)(3) foundation, Make My Day Hawaii,” she explained.

“We have annually been giving for 13 years, helping 537 youths to receive modeling and art scholarships from Focus International Model/Talent Agency… We are proud to say some are successfully being hired in large ad campaigns for Four Seasons, Tommy Bahama, Eddie Bauer, Coleman, Kona Commons, King’s Shop and even Circus Cirque.

“We are excited to discover our talented Hawaii youth. Please help us start their new journey in the arts with our community support,” she concluded.

For information, contact Bridgers at (808) 936-9358, e-mail debra@makemydayhawaii.org or visit www.makemydayhawaii.org.