Lincoln Center Musicians Wow Kids

Students get an up-close encounter with New York flutist Tara Helen O’Connor

Kaua’i United Way was the big beneficiary of an afternoon of world-class musicians from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in the Kaua’i Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt in Poipu on a recent Sunday. The event was sponsored by Personal Financial Consultants to help KUW reach its ambitious, expanded goal of $620,000 for the 2010 annual campaign.

Violinists Daniel Phillips and Kristin Lee with flutist Tara Helen O’Connor treated an enraptured audience to a diverse performance ranging from Baroque to 19th-century traditional to cutting-edge, playful contemporary classical music. The wildly appreciative audience included about 20 students of music teacher Sarah Tochiki from Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, whose attendance was sponsored by members of the KUW board of directors. The students were privileged to be able to spend some time after the performance with the artists, and their enthusiasm was palpable.

Students pose with flutist Tara Helen O’Connor

Prize packages to see the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the San Francisco Symphony and a New York Broadway show also were awarded. Many thanks to Doug Sears, general manager of the Grand Hyatt, and to PFC for making these awards possible.

“We are extending the 2010 campaign through the end of March,” says executive director Scott Giarman.

“The proceeds from this event moved us from about 81 percent of our goal to 83 percent. It’s a huge help, because every dollar helps.”

KUW supports dozens of social service programs – all here on Kaua’i – that save lives every day and directly benefit tens of thousands of Kaua’i people every year. Donations are gratefully accepted at 245-2043 or kauaiunitedway.org.

(from left) Nicole Hansen, Pat Pannell and Loren Kayfetz of Personal Financial Consultants, violinist Kristin Lee, violinist Daniel Phillips, flutist Tara Helen O'Connor and Kaua'i United Way executive director Scott Giarman

Personal Financial Consultants Inc. is an independent, registered, fee-only investment advisory firm with offices in California and Hawaii.

“One of our goals in sponsoring this event is to attract new clients,” Loren Kayftez of PFC says, “but it is not our primary motivation. We believe in giving back to the community. This concert is one way we are doing that. Another is our pledge to donate 50 percent of our new Hawaii client fees to Kaua’i United Way.”

The co-sponsors are looking forward to next year’s third annual classical music fundraiser.