Ashley Loren was featured on Season 8 of “American Idol,” signed to Universal Music Group/Island Def Jam and traveled the world singing with artists such as Bono/U2, Angelique Kidjo, Lupe Fiasco, Dev Hynes/Blood Orange, and Yoko Ono.

KAANAPALI – Imua Family Services is proud to announce this year’s annual gala, The Chinese Lantern Festival – The RED Ball. The third installment of the Festivals of the World events series will be held on Saturday, April 4, at the Hyatt Regency Maui in Kaanapali.

The event raises vital funds for early childhood development programs and services that meet the diverse needs of Maui County’s children with disabilities and developmental delays.

This year’s event will take guests to China for a “Night of 1,000 Lanterns,” featuring an evening of traditional and contemporary Chinese entertainment and cuisine. Lantern Festivals are traditionally the last day of the Chinese New Year Festival and are celebrated on the first full moon night, marking the return of spring and the reunion of the family. The festivals date back 2,000 years.

This year’s gala fundraiser will present three legacy awards to community members and organizations celebrating their commitment to our island community, including Dr. Frank R Baum, PSAV, and Bendon Family Foundation.

Following the main event is the Hong Kong Nightlife After Party, featuring Next Level Entertainment Hawaii, which will keep Kaanapali dancing until 2 a.m.

On April 4, the Hyatt will be transformed into a Chinese palace beginning with the Joy Luck Cocktail Reception featuring traditional Chinese performances and cocktails. A prize will be given to the most beautiful red gown or ensemble.

Following the reception, The RED Ball in the Monarchy Ballroom will include a spectacular stage show with special guest performances by the Sing Yung Dragon and Lion Dance Association, Fusion Dance Project and Ashley Loren.

Loren can currently be seen as the standby for Satine in “Moulin Rouge” on Broadway. She also starred in For The Record’s production of “BAZ,” played Ursula in Reprise 2.0’s inaugural production of “Sweet Charity” and was also featured on the Season 2 premiere of NBC’s “This Is Us.” She was also seen in the Broadway revival of “Jekyll & Hyde” (and its national tour) and played Extraordinary Girl in Greenday’s “American Idiot” in LA.

Sing Yung Dragon and Lion Dance Association was formed in 2014 in Honolulu to perpetuate the Chinese culture through the art of Chinese Dragon and lion dancing, which is widely performed throughout Malaysia and Singapore.

For more information about the fundraiser, visit imuafamilyservices.org.