Lions Club donates $25k to Islanders now living in Maui

Pictured, from left: Ryan Hinkel, Avalon Lion; Carolyn Dailey, Avalon Organizer; Catalina Hooikaika, Avalon; Keani Hooikaika, Lahaina; Hedy Alvaroldo, Lahaina; Kevin Hooikaika, Lahaina; Makea Hooikaika, Lahaina; Frank Beach, Avalon Lion; Kaeo Blas, Lahaina; Irie Hooikaika, Lahaina; Ahlea Hooikaika Blas, Lahaina; Burney Ramming, Avalon Lion; Tyler Engel, Avalon Lion; John Macktel, Avalon Lion; Bill Engel, Avalon Lion; Dave Thompson, Avalon Lion; and Matt Baker, Avalon Lion.

On Saturday, Oct. 14, a Benefit Golf Tournament was held at the Avalon Golf Course. This event was a fund raiser for six families from Avalon who now live in Lahaina on the Island of Maui that had their homes destroyed by wildfire. Most of the six transplanted Catalina Island families flew back to their former Avalon home for much needed love and support from their former neighbors.  

The Avalon Lions Club donated $25,000 to be distributed equally to the six Lahaina families as a way of serving current and former Avalon residents 

Many of the affected Maui residents lost more than their homes in the horrible wildfire of Aug. 8. Most of the fire victims did not have insurance on their homes. A few had insurance on their belongings and furniture; some victims had insurance on their cars. All of the fire victims are having a difficult time getting financial support from government agencies. 

The Avalon Golf Tournament fundraiser was organized by Carolyn Dailey and Amiee Casillas of Avalon. Carolyn and Amiee went to Avalon High School with several of the fire victims and have maintained those friendships over the years. Amiee Casillas organized the 68 participating local golfers into 14 teams. A community after party attended by over 100 people was held at the Sand Trap Restaurant. Carolyn Dailey organized the fund raiser and is continuing to accept donations for the Lahaina Families. This golf tournament was a second effort in trying to help former Avalon residents get back on their feet and put their lives back together. 

If you would like to support the continuing effort to help these Avalon families now living in Lahaina you may contact Carolyn Dailey at 310-560-9548 or PO Box 1464 Avalon, CA 90704. Special Avalon-Lahina Strong t-shirts are available, postage paid in the mainland United States for $35 by sending a check to Carolyn Dailey. Every dollar raised by these efforts will go directly to the six families who need the support. There is no tax-deductible way to donate. This is a simple trusting way to help people.