Working together Part 2
How much of a difference did we make? A fitting topic for Thanksgiving day.
On August 25th, I asked, “How much of a difference can we make?” encouraging my readers to consider donating to the Maui firestorm victims by becoming paid subscribers during September. I promised to present the entire amount of any yearly or founding member subscriptions to help the residents of Maui.
When we help others, we heal our souls in the process.
I’m proud to say we raised $400 from my generous readers, and I added an additional $100 to bring the donation to $500. Two of my readers, Carole Stoffregen and Patricia Meier, became Founding Members, which entitled them to one of the beautiful t-shirts our family’s dear Brooke Ogudenau created to support Lahaina victims. Sending namaste (via Hindi from Sanskrit namas ‘bowing’ + te ‘to you’) to all those who donated and to Brooke for her efforts.
$500 is a drop in the bucket for solving Maui’s problems. Nevertheless, I was thrilled to pass that amount along to people in need and proud of this tribe of readers that become stronger in number by the day. Your support, encouragement, comments, likes, and shares lift me daily. I do my best to pass your kindness along to others daily.
Confessing, I would have liked to donate the money sooner, but the wedding month ensued. The delay had an upside, though, in that the world has moved on… Maui was September’s news. We’ve had our fair share of sad news since.
A mid-November world mindset likely resounds as… “Lahaina?”
Donating to a cause that has lost momentum for many was uplifting.
So, what did we do with this money?
I received numerous ideas for the donation. I considered agencies that serve the multitudes and some smaller enterprises. After considerable thought, I chose one family because their story tugged at my heartstrings and their business serves tourism, the backbone of Hawaii.
I chose a local family business in Lahaina, D’Best Vacation Services, which specializes in servicing vacation rentals and offering a wide array of services. Owner Basho Elliot has worked hard to create this business as a legacy for his twin sons, Maxwell and Lucas. The three developed a sustainable business through their hard work, receiving 4 and 5 stars on Yelp.
The firestorm left their vehicles, tools, and work equipment incinerated at their base yard. They found housing and are working toward rebuilding their business, anxious to work again.
$500 of a $50,000 goal is a dent, but a dent offers hope and can definitely replace several tools. If any of you would like to donate more on your own, here’s their link.
Our struggles in time create our strengths.
Sharing The Doobie Brother’s newest song Lahaina created to assist The People’s Fund of Maui.
The Doobie Brothers: Pat Simmons, Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald and John McFee Mick Fleetwood: Drums Jake Shimabukuro: Ukulele Henry Kapono: Vocals John Shanks: Producer, Bass and Percussion Bradley Giroux: Engineer Editing: ThreeTreeCreative | @threetreecreative featuring Mick Fleetwood, Jake Shimabukuro & Henry Kaponoon.
I hope my readers who celebrate Thanksgiving enjoyed a day of peace, gratitude and connection in all the forms available to us.
What a fantastic way to help the victims. Kudos. Giving always makes the giver feel as though they have received as well.
Love the Doobies. Beautiful song.
Bravo Sue— lovely 🥰