Benefit concert by Spawnbreezie and others raised donations for Tonga [1]
Wednesday, May 18, 2022 - 19:14
Donations raised from a benefit concert in the United States were handed out to two local organizations on 17 May, to assist in the aftermath of the volcanic eruption and tsunamis that impacted Tonga on 15 January this year.
Spawnbreezie and other artists made the donation, after holding a benefit concert on 25 February in Missouri, United States.
Alexandra Sullivan, Manager of Tonga Cold Store handed $2,200 cheques each to the Director of the Women & Children Crisis Center, ‘Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki, and Tonga Rugby Union Development Manager, Richard Talia’uli.
Richard runs physical education workshops and events for children in primary schools on Tongatapu and outer islands.
Another $2,200 will be given to a local primary school on a later date.
Spawnbreezie stated that during these trying times, "I want to send my utmost respect and ofa's to all our family in Tonga and look forward to coming to visit you all."
The artist acknowledged the fundraising help he received with his brothers of “kalapu run it” in Independence Missouri, including Finn Gruva, Alo Key, Seattle Taylor and J Stringz.
Tonga assistance
Liz Cowley, Executive Director of the Waterfront & Davina House, said these organizations were doing fantastic jobs for their important causes.
“We will also give out to the primary school because children are our future and they too have been struggling and affected from not only the natural disasters but the impacts of COVID-19,” she said.
‘Ofa Guttenbeil said his money would now assist their work in providing counselling to affected families. “From the bottom of our hearts a big thank to Spawnbreeze, Charlie Pome'e and those who took part, for the donation.”
“We sent out our counsellors on the ground. Your support will ensure that we reach all the corners, including the outer islands of Ha'apai and Vava'u,” she said.
The distribution of the funds was facilitated by Alexandra Sullivan, Liz Cowley, Robert Sullivan, with Charles Sullivan and Charlie Pome'e from 'Three Houses Down' in New Zealand.