LAHAINA – He may be the kolohe kid of Kuhua Camp – the Spanky of the modern day “Our Gang/Little Rascals” in Lahaina – but make no mistake about it, the heart of Shaun Saribay beats in steady unison with the community he has lived his entire life in.

Indeed, his recent endeavors include sometimes boorish promotions of mixed martial arts events and a business career in the oft-misunderstood world of body art tattooing, yet Spanky… er, Shaun… forges ahead with what he thinks is pono and is currently part of a noble effort to save the Lahainaluna High School Boarding Department.

Along with companion Twyla Kukahiko and in conjunction with Pi Artisan Pizzeria, Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise, Laulima Events & Catering, Lahainaluna Boarders Association and many sponsors, Saribay is the lead coordinator of a fundraiser entitled “Taste of Aloha” that will benefit the Lahainaluna High School boarding program.

The fundraiser aims to raise $100,000 to support the only public school boarding program in Hawaii at the historic school.

The funds will help support scholarships for graduating Lahainaluna seniors, dorm maintenance and the boarding school Agriculture Department.

Funds will also help kickstart student programs in renewable energy, agriculture and marine sciences.

“Taste of Aloha” will run from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, at the Lahaina Civic Center Amphitheatre. It will feature various homegrown Maui food and retail vendors, silent auction, Keiki Corner, cotton candy and shave ice, beer garden and live music throughout the day and night featuring Darren Lee from “Burn’n Love,” local favorite Ekolu and many more.

“Lahaina Town has supported me throughout the years with my MMA career as a fighter, coach and promoter, and I think it is important that I give back to the community, to Lahainaluna, to Lahaina Town. I especially hope that the funds that are raised will help get the boarders’ Agricultural Department going on solid ground and keep the program going in general,” said Saribay.

Tickets for the event are $20 for adults and $5 for children in advance, and $25/$10 at the door; admission is free for keiki five and under.

Tickets may be purchased online at squareup.com/market/taste-of-aloha-sponsored-by-rotary-club-of-lahaina-sunrise, as well as Pi Artisan Pizzeria, Poi by the Pound, 808 Plates and Mid Pacific Tattoo Lahaina.