Mineola resident Karli Bonné is not only a mother of two children who attend the Cross Street School. She is also busy getting her singing and songwriting career off the ground. Recently, Bonné produced her first CD, a 10-song compilation of Christian Contemporary music in which she's written the music and the lyrics and sung the songs.

Although Bonné has been singing for 20 years, she decided now was as good a time as any to produce her first CD. Like most Americans, Bonné watched in horror as the tragedy of Sept. 11 unfolded. She decided after that to get into the studio and start recording, hoping her music would be some source of healing.

"A lot of people are just looking for an answer. I was feeling it myself when I saw what was happening on television that day. I was frozen. You start thinking about your own mortality," Bonné said.

Perhaps the tragedy of Sept. 11 is what ultimately got Bonné in the studio to record the CD since she thought she might be able to help people through her music.

In addition to the lyrics, which she hopes will be a source of strength and healing, one third of the sales from the CD will go to Mayor Guilliani's 9/11 Fund. "I'm just hoping to help those people who were affected very closely from the tragedy," Bonné said. "I felt a need to do these songs and maybe they'll help some people. Even if I only help one person, my job is done."

The 15-year Mineola resident hopes to further her career as well as help people in the process. She has had to make a major sacrifice to make it all possible, even refinancing her house.

The last three years, she has performed at the Winter Garden, a Russian catering house, in Brooklyn. In addition to her singing, she is also a dedicated mother, to sons Dillion and Chance, who will begin Mineola PAL Chiefs Football shortly.

She is taking her career as a singer seriously though. Her music is played on WLUX. She has also been busy sending her CD out to every major record label.

She will be doing a benefit concert on July 21 at the Fountain Head Congregation Church, located at 782 Larkfield Road in East Northport. She will be selling CDs there. Also, for those interesting in purchasing the CD, they can e-mail Bonné at KarliBonné11501@msn.com.

She has already made her first sale. Cross Street Principal Linda Languille purchased the first copy.