LAKE COUNTY—In response to the devastating fires in Maui the Lakeport Rotary has partnered with local business Wine in the Willows to host a fundraiser on behalf of the Maui Rotary District 5000, who were greatly affected by this catastrophe and are in urgent need of supplies. The fundraiser is on Wednesday August 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Wine in the Willows located at 125 Park St. in Lakeport.
During the fundraiser there will be beverages and charcuterie available for purchase with 20 percent of all sales and all tips made by Wine in the Willows going directly to the Maui Relief fund. Rotary will also be hosting a silent auction and other raffles of which 100 percent of the proceeds will go to Maui Relief.
Lakeport Rotary President Mark Lipps noted, “We know about fire displacement, this is our opportunity to give back to others experiencing those same things.” Lipps explained how they are currently working with Rotarians in Maui to get them the supplies and aid they need, despite obstacles in finding cellular or internet services faced by those on ground zero in Maui.
Lipps said, “It’s a horrible fire, even our worst fires were not that.” Rotarian Laura McAndrews Sammel added, “We understand how tragic something like this is, what we don’t understand is the level of loss of life.” The Rotary 5000 shared via its website “As people of action, Rotary District 5000 recognizes the importance of coming together during times of crisis. The Maui Fires Relief Fund is an embodiment of this spirit, symbolizing the collective strength and resilience of our community. The fund is designed to address urgent needs and provide sustainable solutions to assist those affected by the recent events.” To donate directly or find out more about the Rotary 5000 please visit the website rotaryd5000.org/MauiRelief.
The Biden Administration issued a press release detailing the federal relief efforts being made including FEMA funds of approximately 3.8 million. According to the release “To date, FEMA has approved more than $3.8 million in assistance to 1,640 households including more than $1.57 million in initial rental assistance.”
The administration continued in discussing other efforts to help heal the residents of Maui noting, “More than 600 federal responders, including 250 search and rescue team members and K9 teams, are deployed in Hawaii to support residents in their greatest time of need.” These efforts include emergency SNAP benefits, a 90 day hold on all foreclosures.”
The administration also noted, “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed 27 responders, 15 personnel providing virtual support and 41 contractors to assist with planning and assessments for generator installations and debris collection and removal.” The Red Cross has also been involved in Maui relief noting, “More than 300 Red Cross staff are working with partners to ensure people receive help as quickly as possible and has distributed more than 28,600 meals and snacks to survivors and responded to more than 2,100 requests to help families locate missing loved ones.”
For more information on federal relief efforts or to donate or volunteer directly please visit the Hawaii website hawaii.gov or the FEMA site at FEMA.gov.
