on the SCENE

A Keiki's Dream is a little organization doing big things for Maui's children. Each year they serve the county's neediest children by granting dreams and inspiring hope to those in need - one child at a time.

Kicking off efforts to fund another year of dreams, the nonprofit hosted its annual benefit, bringing the funk to the King Kamehameha Clubhouse in Waikapu with the 1970s-themed gala "Studio 55:?Boogie Nights," held last Friday.

Some guests dressed in their best retro wear, while others purchased and donned outrageous hats created by Baldwin High School students.

Hands down, one of the night's highlights was the hilarious song and dance by the "Men of Wailuku Village," a local spin on the famous Village People. The skit included performances by unlikely sources: a distinguished Maui doctor, a well-known attorney, and even a state senator.

Between the wild hats and wacky dance routines, guests were reminded of why they were there in the first place. As the lights dimmed, conversation hushed and all eyes turned forward, guests watched a DVD?featuring A?Keiki's Dream success stories - many of whom are former residents of Ka Hale A?Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center in Wailuku. One later became a boys state wrestling champion, another earned her GED?at age 16 and is now studying to become a doctor.

Guests supported Maui's keiki by whipping out their checkbooks and credit cards to bid on the a massive collection of silent and live auction items, ranging from practical to extravagant.

The grand prize was a package donated by coach Don Nelson of the Golden State Warriors, who offered four tickets (his personal seats) to any Warriors game, along with a chance to ride on the bus with the players and visit the locker room after the game. Wait, there's more. If the winner chooses to attend a home game, they can hitch a ride with Nelson in his limo back to the coach's home to hang out. Two such packages were auctioned, raising $10,000 each.

In total, the event earned about $60,000 - enough for many more dreams come true.