5 Months, 5 Events, $5,000

by Brittany Hale

Rise Up Hawaii is a movement and fundraising group that adopts different charities to raise money through art and donations. Their goal as a group is to raise and spread awareness about the injustices of our society as well as make a difference in the world. They are doing so through art and non-profit events like open mic nights and hip-hop nights where all profits go to the charity they are working with at that time. 

They have worked together with many charities to raise money for: Haiti, animal cruelty, homelessness, Japan, and now for Water. Currently, Rise Up Hawaii is attempting to raise $5,000 in five months so that they can build a well in an area that needs clean water. Many people do not realize that there are many children who are not getting sufficient amounts of clean drinking water. Some people have to walk hours just to get to decent drinking water or wait hours at wells for their turn. This well will provide clean water for an entire village so that they can nourish their bodies and keep themselves and their families hydrated and healthy. 

"Sunday Jams is not meant to be a money-making organization," said co-host of Sunday Jams, Duane Fukumoto. "It is a project based on charity and it's all about meeting people and connections."

As you walk into the hip-hop improv night, your vibe will immediately change. People stop you to inform you about the event and the charity that they are raising money for as well as fill you in on what is going on. There are many performers lined up to get on stage and all have different goals with their music as well as different inspirations. They all perform from passion and with the desire to help out the water charity and raise awareness among the audience. 

Shane Tauefa said, "What inspires me is my girlfriend."

His girlfriend, Chrissy Hee, followed his comment and said, "We met before he started getting involved with Rise Up Hawaii, so I told him about the open mic nights. I felt like it was a good way for him to get his voice out there." 

Shane attended the hip-hop improv night but also participates in Sunday Jams with his girlfriend, Chrissy, by his side. 

"Sunday Jams was started by my church," said Chase Gawiran. "There are many people with talent, some have even be signed on the spot. Personally, I'm inspired to write by my family, things I see everyday, love, unity, friendship, and also sometimes I make my music to vent my feelings and the things that I am going through." 

Gawiran performed at the Hip-Hop improv night and got the whole audience involved. He was connecting with many, and you could see it through their faces and their reactions to his music. He was in the zone, focused, and you could tell that he really was passionate about what he was doing. 

Another group that performed was Oh My God Charlie Darwin. They also had the entire audience involved, and were the main group doing the improv. From rapping about new shoes to Twilight, they improvised and worked with any topics that they were presented with. Each member of the group brought their own flavor and style to the performance and their connection with each other was obvious. They were all on the same page and connecting with each other through their music, their art. 

"It's a representative of the ironies of this world that is a reflection of our music," said Andrew Dames when asked about his group's name. "On top of that, we're a funky trio and love saying epic things, like: Oh My God Charlie Darwin!!"

Upon being asked what the group is inspired by, Dames said, "I would say everyday occurrences that the news doesn't focus on. They go on tantrums about Charlie Sheen and Natalie Holloway, but have scarce coverage on genocide in the Congo, the Occupy Movement, corruption and toxins in the food supply, corporate and military superiority, and the list goes on. Personally, I connect words with music in manner to inspire others."

If you or anyone you know is interested in Rise Up Hawaii or attending Sunday Jams, you can go to www.RiseUpHawaii.org to find more information on event times, special events, different charities they are working with, and also the story behind why they are teaming up with specific charities. Help Raise Up Hawaii spread knowledge and awareness throughout the island.