A concert from the heart for the heart

A concert to benefit Amber Lynn Mendiola and the Make-A-Wish Foundation would be held tomorrow, June 10, at the Hyatt Regency Saipan Gardens.

Coca Cola Beverage Co., (Micronesia), Inc. sales and marketing director Kathryn H. Barry said 100 percent of ticket sales from the event, dubbed “All Star Jam Benefit Concert,” would go to Mendiola and the foundation. She said Mendiola will also be making a special appearance during the concert.

Barry said Mendiola is scheduled for another heart surgery this summer. She said the young local recording artist would fly to Guam in a few weeks for an assessment of her condition before proceeding to the U.S. mainland for treatment.

Other featured local artists set to perform are Candy Taman, Marvin Guerrero, Ray Romolor, Tom Basa Jr. and Archilynn Getchig.

The concert will also highlight performances of off-island talents, including Pacific Kool from Tinian, and Lahi from Guam.

“All of these talented entertainers are donating their time to be a part of this event. It will be an evening of incredible music for an even more incredible young lady and the organization that granted her special wish,” said Barry.

Mendiola’s mother, Erlynn Romolor, said she felt it important that the Make-A-Wish Foundation also benefit from this concert because of what they have done for her daughter.

Barry said that Mendiola’s eponymous album has been a great success on the islands, and could be heard on four of the top radio stations on Saipan. Songs on the CD include Isa Lei/ Yellow Bird Medley, My Baby Boy, and Swing.

“Recorded at Stel Star productions on Guam, the album is sure to leave you mesmerized by this brave, young woman’s talent,” said Barry.

Tom Bejado of Stel Star earlier said that recording with Amber was a rewarding experience, because he witnessed the strength and determination of someone who has a dream and made it come true.

“Every song on this CD was sung from the heart and this is what you’ll experience when you listen to Amber’s songs,” said Bejado.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit organization established to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses around the world. The Make-A-Wish Foundation can now be found in 30 countries and territories around the world.

Barry said that main sponsors Budweiser and Coca-Cola are grateful for the opportunity to support their efforts.

Minor sponsors for the event include Younis Art Studios, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Aquarius Beach Towers Hotel, and Budget Car Rental.

Barry said tickets could be purchased at the MARPAC office in Gualo Rai and at Coca-Cola office in Middle Road. For more information, call JoJo Camacho at 234-7113 or Barry at 235-2653. Doors will open at 6pm and tickets are sold at $15 each.