Deedri P. Moore Veehala entered the doors of Ke Ānuenue in January 2000 and by September, 2003 became the Executive Director who tirelessly worked to mold Ke Ānuenue into what it is today: a community learning center that provides a wealth of health education. In April, 2006, we unexpectedly lost that wonderful leader, mother, and friend to pneumonia, a complication of diabetes. We painfully picked up the pieces to finish projects she started, including developing a fundraising concert. Through her initial contact with Leslie Yadao, manager of Hapa World Music, our concert became a reality.

With 2 1/2 months of planning, on September 2, 2006, the 1st Ke Ola I Ka Leo - Voices Empowering Health Concert successfully made it's debut at the University of Hawai'i's Theatre and included:

• A healthy foods concession manned by Abundant Life's Natural Foods Cafe.
• A silent auction with a wide assortment of items including: hand made quilts; over-night hotel stays; artwork; a BBQ Grill; a set of carpenter tools; and a personal scooter.
• Jacqueline 'Skylark' Rossetti, radio personality was the perfect hostess for the evening.
• Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani E, Kumu Hula, Iwalani Kalima entranced the audience with their beautiful hula renditions.
• Brown Brothers Bobo & Boyson, and Ke Ānuenue's own, Danelle Avelino received a standing ovation as legend, Bunny Brown joined them with warm harmony.
• And of course, the award winning, HAPA, entertained for a solid 1 1/2 hours.

Our sincerest mahalo nui to all who attended our concert, to all our volunteers who worked tirelessly, to those that provided items for the silent auction, and those donating hard-earned money to help finance it, to all those who have played a part in putting this wonderful concert together... a heartfelt mahalo for fulfilling Deedri's vision, and we hope this is the beginning of an annual signature event.