Pearl City High School 2010 graduate, Brittney Mendoza had an idea. A big idea that she would incorporate into her senior project at PCHS. Brittney decided to focus her senior project on finding ways to help support those who provide for our growing homeless population in Hawaii.
She formed the "House It" organization that embraces the "Ohana" with the focus on House "Ohana". From there she organized Saturday night's benefit "House It" Concert at the Pearl City Cultural Center Auditorium that brought the community together to help raise funds to support the Institute of Human Services (IHS).
"The event tonight is all about raising awareness for the homeless issue in Hawaii," said "House It" Concert organizer, Brittney Mendoza. "It's just getting more people to become aware of it because a lot of young people don't really know. I used this as my senior project and I wanted more adults to be aware of it also."
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
House It Concert organizer, Brittney Mendoza in front of the Pearl City Cultural Center Auditorium on Saturday, June 5, 2010.
In a recent press release, Brittney explains the meaning and purpose of the "House It" organization:
"The “house it” movement originated and is phrased in a way to raise awareness
and call people to action. The phrasing serves a double purpose: It is a play on
the sound of the widely used greeting of “howzit” so as to start a conversation
and a way of expanding the awareness of the homeless issue facing Hawaii. On
the other hand, the phrase “house it” is to be taken literally because it defines the
goal and purpose of the organization that will be achieved through the collective
efforts of the “house it crew” and the community."
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
House It Crew members (left to right) Johnson Chao, Brittney Mendoza, Katie Sakamoto.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
IHS Community Relations Manager, Kate Bepko (left) and IHS Development Coordinator, Leanne Aken (right).
The "House It" Concert featured a very talented line up of entertainers. Saving the Orphan opened the concert with front man Dustin Pacleb on lead vocals and bass, Angelo Sacramento on guitar, Drake Akiyoshi on drums and Aaron Garcia on lead guitar.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Saving the Orphan's, Aaron Garcia on lead guitar Saturday night at the Pearl City Cultural Center Auditorium.
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Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Saving the Orphan taking it to the next level to the delight of the "House It" audience.
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Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Cradle to Grave's, Andrew Simbahon "rocked" on lead guitar and vocals.
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Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Cradle to Grave is definitely ready for the big time with Andrew Simbahon (lead guitar, vocals), Stetson Shimamoto (bass) and Jazzton Lyons (drums).
The concert also included local talents; David Tamaoka, Prevail and Zach Shimizu.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Christine and Lisa working the "House It" t-shirt fundraiser table.
Brittney Mendoza is an example of our youth today who have taken leadership roles in the community to care for those in need. She has compassionately presented the issue of homelessness in our island communities and has successfully raised funds and awareness to improve their lives.
"People don't really know what they go through and how much it means for them to feel that they're loved," said Brittney (from the heart). "The whole purpose of this concert was to get the word out."
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
In a few months, Brittney will be enrolled as a freshman at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Pearl City High School will surely miss her around campus but let me be the first to officially welcome her to the PCHS Alumni Club.
Brittney has a big heart and bright future ahead! Congratulations to the success of the" House It" Organization and Crew.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]