The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary is bringing back its luau fundraiser for the second year. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Riverfront Park.

“This is strictly a fundraiser,” said Phyllis Renfro, Auxiliary president.

The luau will raise money to sponsor Salvation Army programs such as the Mission 66 Diner, client services and, this year, sending 12 children to Camp Hidden Lake in Lexington.

The coed youth camp offers arts and crafts, swimming, nature walks, boating and fishing and other activities for underprivileged children. The first session, an art-themed one for ages 11-16, will be June 22-29. A kids’ camp for ages 8-11 will be June 29-July 3, and a Youth Adventure Camp for ages 11-16 will be July 13-20. The cost to send one child is $250.

Renfro said the Auxiliary would also like to use some of the money to renovate the kitchen at the year-old Mission 66 Diner, where 30 to 60 needy people receive meals daily.

“Our money goes directly to the people,” said Renfro.

Nearly 300 people attended the luau last year. The menu will feature Hawaiian chicken and kalua pork with rice, other sides and refreshments. Entertainment is in the works, but has not been nailed down.

“I’d like for people to think that it’s a donation, rather than just about food,” said Renfro.

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Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchanprasith@vicksburgpost.com