Inspired by a desire to serve her community, a local student at Hawaii Preparatory Academy is turning her senior capstone project into meaningful action.

Samantha Fortney is coordinating a special “Rainy Day” benefit concert tonight to help raise funds to purchase useful items for guests of The Salvation Army’s Hilo Overnight Safe Space. Opened in 2024, the shelter provides 50 evening beds with hot meals, showers and on-site case manager support for guests experiencing homelessness.

After visiting The Salvation Army Hilo Corps, Fortney was moved by the care being provided to kupuna and other community members facing difficult circumstances.

“Having grown up in Hilo, I wanted my capstone project to respond to a real need right here,” Fortney said in a press release. “I met with shelter staff to ask what items were most urgently requested. Learning that many individuals walk around town barefoot and frequently endure heavy rains, I focused a fundraiser on providing slippers and umbrellas.”

To bring the idea to life, Fortney reached out to local musicians. Guitarist Farzad Azard, renowned for blending flamenco, jazz and global musical influences, immediately offered to perform at no cost and will be joined by fellow guitarist Yoshua DiCaprio.

All event proceeds will contribute to a cause that brings warmth and care to some of Hawaii Island’s most vulnerable residents. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 on-site at the Blue Dragon Tavern venue (children 12 and under are free).

The show starts at 6 p.m. tonight at Blue Dragon Tavern Cosmic Musiquarium, 61-3616 Kawaihae Road, Waimea. Doors open at 5.

Get tickets at Bluedragontavern.com.