Help special needs kids and their families in crisis

Many of the keiki helped at Imua Family Services have critical health concerns. For families, this can mean constant trips to Oahu for medical treatment and hospital visits.
According to IFS, groceries and living expenses often take a back seat to the more pressing need that can mean life or death for a young child.
To provide some urgently needed resources for these families, the Hard Rock Cafe is teaming up with Imua Family Services for “Maui Teens Got Talent” on Saturday, Nov. 3.
The event will provide teenagers with a chance to showcase their voices on the legendary Hard Rock Cafe stage.
Come out to support Maui’s crooners and rockers as they take the stage in front of a panel of judges from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Audience members and diners will also be able to “Tweet” their votes for favorite singers throughout the day.
Dean Wong, Imua Family Services’ executive director, enlisted Maui vocal coach Joy Fields to coordinate the 13- to 19-year-old singing contestants. There is no entry fee.
Wong commented, “Remember, there are no losers. What we will have are teens who want to help our families who are in critical, dire need with special needs children here. This is truly singing for a cause.”
Imua Family Services is the island’s leader in providing comprehensive early childhood development services to children with developmental delays, special needs and disabilities. IFS also offers their families the support and resources needed for these keiki to achieve their full potential in life.
Each year, more than 2,500 community members on Maui and Lanai receive support from IFS through the Infant & Child Development Program, Early Childhood Development Program, Newborn Hearing Screening and Camp Imua.
To register your voice and place to sing, visit www.imuafamilyservices.org, go to Imua Family Services on Facebook, or call 244-7467 or Fields at 264-1275.