As a little girl, I had no idea what was in store for me when my baby brother, Joshua came into this world. All I knew was he was the cutest little thing and that I loved dressing him up like a girl with my doll clothes.

As the years progressed, I found a much deeper passion for Joshua – a passion of a mother for her child.
It was a feeling of wanting the best for ones child - to love, to teach, to protect, to nurture and mold in the
ways of the Lord. My mother was that kind of mother…so faithful, loving, and hardworking (I love you,
mama). Naturally, I mimicked her motherly ways and turned it onto Joshua.

When my parents had to work long hours, I was given the responsibility to take care of Joshua. I would
pick him up from Waianae Elementary School and we’d start on our journey back home hand in hand.
When we got home, I’d assist Josh with his homework, bathing, and his activities. As the evening
approached, I’d start making a simple dinner and then we all ate together as a family. Some nights Joshua
would sleep with me and I’d sing him to sleep with the song, “Close to You,” by the Carpenters. This was a normal routine for years.

I spent all of my youth with Joshua by my side. Through the years, our family was very active in the Special Ed programs. I was always known as “Joshua’s big sister” to Joshua’s peers and they would come up to me every time to give me a big hug and kiss. With each gesture of affection I received from these very special people, my heart grew to love them so much. I wanted to give them back what they had giving me– a feeling of support, belonging, and pure, unconditional love.

When I graduated for Waianae High School, my goal was to go to college and major in Special Education. I’ve always had a dream to build a plantation style home with a big, beautiful yard and provide individuals with special needs a place to learn and feel at home. Deep in my heart, I felt that this dream was reachable.

As fate would have it, a doorway would open for me to realize my dream. After 14 years of my family caring for Joshua, I left home for the first time to play the role of “Kim” in the Cameron Mackintosh Production of Miss Saigon in Stuttgart, Germany. After 8 years in the Entertainment Industry, I decided to use the gifts I’ve been given from my Heavenly Father to make a difference in our community. I founded Honolulu Broadway Babies for the benefit of individuals like my brother.

Honolulu Broadway Babies (HB Babies) is a non-profit organization. We are committed to bringing
professional and dynamic artists from around the world to produce outstanding Musical benefit concerts.
Our dream is to reach out to legislators, educators, entertainers, charitable organizations, and the public to
create worldwide partnerships to build and support continuing education programs for people who are
developmentally challenged.

I’d like to thank all our sponsors for all their support and making this all possible. The companies that
supported this event are companies who provide the best service and quality in their craft. I thank you all
for believing in me and our great cause.

I’d like to thank my mama, my husband, Gavin, daddy, papa, kuya, Tita Fe, the Atendidio’s, Tito Noe and Tita Sheba Tanjuakio, Tita Alma, the Caleon’s, the Vinta’s, tita Chabeng, Ciress, Dave, all my family, my Musical STAR & HBB ohana, the HBB Board of Directors and all my friends for your support. Above all, I thank my Heavenly Father and my Lord Jesus Christ for being the foundation of this organization. Joshua– you are the true star! I love you baby!

Thank you for coming and supporting our 3rd Annual Broadway Mixed Plate Benefit Concert. We look
forward to bringing this show to you every year! God Bless you all! ~Kristian Lei

 

We invite you to join us in our mission! Mahalo nui loa!
To make a donation, please make payment to:
Honolulu Broadway Babies
PO Box 75327
Honolulu, HI 96836
(808) 941-4205
(808) 941-5211
www.honolulubroadwaybabies.com

 

HBB 2004	HBB 2006	HBB 2007

Photos from Honolulu Broadway Babies performances can be viewed and purchased by going to:
www.hawaiiprofilesgalleries.com