This holiday season, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i is honored to share a special moment of Christmas cheer from our Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center—made possible through the generosity of our supporters who believe in caring for kūpuna with dignity, joy, and aloha.
In a heartwarming video, the Lanakila Karaoke singers perform the timeless classic “White Christmas,” filling the room with harmony and holiday spirit. More than just a song, it’s a reflection of the welcoming, life-enriching programs donors help sustain every day at Lanakila.
The group is led by Brian Suzuki, who has been bringing people together through music for decades. His karaoke group meets at Lanakila on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. Singing, Brian shares, isn’t just fun—it’s healthy for both body and spirit—an important part of helping seniors stay active, connected, and well.
“There are 18 singers—that’s all we can fit in the room,” Brian says with a smile. With a standby list of eager participants, the group’s popularity speaks volumes about the sense of belonging it creates. Members sing in multiple languages—Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Hawaiian, and English—and perform songs from beloved American movies, celebrating the rich diversity of our kūpuna community.
Brian has led karaoke groups for 30 years, and for the past three years, Lanakila has been home to this joyful gathering. Some singers have been with him for decades, forming friendships that are strengthened each time they come together—friendships made possible because Lanakila is a safe, welcoming place for seniors to gather.
Programs like this are possible because of donors who invest in healthy aging and meaningful connections. Your support helps Catholic Charities Hawai‘i provide spaces where seniors can laugh, sing, and build lasting relationships—especially during the holidays, when connection matters most.
This Christmas, we invite you to watch the video, enjoy the music, and see the impact of your generosity in action. From all of us at Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, mahalo for helping make moments like this possible—and may this White Christmas fill your heart with warmth and cheer.
