ST. GEORGE — Community members and artists rallied behind the Martin family Friday night at Desert Hills High School.

Siva Pasefika, a Polynesian song and dance troupe in St. George, organized a benefit and fundraiser for the Martin family, who suffered a tragic loss when 5-year old Noah Martin died in a drowning accident during Spring Break.

The Martin’s are a St. George family of 11 with nine children ranging in age from 3- to 14-years old.

“During a tragedy like this, at Siva Pasefika our group comes together and we create magic, and we assist families,” founder April Keil told St. George News.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Keil said, Siva Pasefika had a lot more performances and public ceremonies like the fundraiser but the number of public events have slowed down recently.

“The Martin family has kind of pulled all of us out of our slumber to get going, because this is our ‘why’,” Keil said. “This is our purpose. This is why we believe we are here on earth, to be stewards to He who is greater and He who gives all. This is a way that we can give back to those who are in need.”

Originally from Samoa, Keil uprooted her family and moved to St. George and started Siva Pasefika in 2006 to ensure that her children would remember and share their Polynesian culture. That effort blossomed into concerts, shows, classes and dances designed to bring the community together.

“As a group, we are a family,” Keil said. “These are the things that bring joy to us — this is our purpose. Not only do we entertain for business, but we also give back in ways like this.”

Phoebe Maiava, another organizer for the event, told St. George News that the fundraiser featured a silent auction and then a music and dance performance by Siva Pasefika.

Over 70 items were up for auction with food and beverage booths for participants. All donations were made by the St. George community, Maiava said, and proceeds were given to the Martin family.

Keil said she hopes a hopeful message will go out to the Martin’s because of the fundraiser.

“Families are forever,” she said. “He (Noah) may be gone from this physical earth, but his spirit lives on and his memory will forever remain in our hearts. We are their family, and so we stick together.”

Anyone who wishes to contribute to the Martin family can do so by scanning the Venmo code in the photo gallery.

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