SAIPAN — The Marianas diaspora on the East Coast raised more than $6,000 for Typhoon Sinlaku recovery efforts at a benefit concert that drew more than 200 supporters to Fair Winds Brewing Company in Lorton, Virginia on June 7, the Marianas Community Foundation announced.
Håtsa: Rise Above Sinlaku came together in less than a month through a partnership between the foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and 671° Pacific Flame and Grill. Ken Orejola and Tanya Dela Cruz of the foundation spearheaded the event alongside Darrell and Melissa Fejeran of 671° Pacific Flame and Grill.
Every performer volunteered their time, with some crossing oceans to do it. Members of the Guam-based group The Gooniez, Fantaysha Rioja, Jerico Del Castillo and Kevin Richards, along with DJ Meish and Frankie “Beyond” McJohn of The John Dank Show, traveled nearly 8,000 miles from Guam to Virginia. Oston Saralu, Peter Cruz Håle and Jason J flew in from California, while DJ Carri represented the DMV.
“Living on the East Coast can make it difficult to know how best to help when something happens back home, especially after a disaster like Typhoon Sinlaku,” said Shelane Fleming, president of the Marianas Community Foundation. “I am deeply grateful to Ken and Tanya for their leadership, and to Darrell and Melissa for their partnership and support. Their efforts, along with the contributions of our performers, vendors, donors, volunteers, and attendees, made Håtsa possible and reflected the spirit of ina’fa’maolek all the way out here in the East Coast.”
The foundation was established in September 2025 to support economic opportunity and community development in the CNMI, and shifted its immediate focus to recovery efforts after Sinlaku struck. Proceeds from Håtsa and related fundraising will go toward both immediate needs and long-term community development initiatives in the islands.
