On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, Lahaina, Maui, faced the fierce onslaught of wildfires fueled by Hurricane Dora’s winds. Despite the extensive damage inflicted upon the town, a spirit of resilience emerges. This event, while marking a somber milestone as the most tragic catastrophe fire in modern US history, has also ignited a powerful sense of unity. Countless individuals have been displaced, and hundreds remain unaccounted for, but amidst the challenges, a glimmer of hope shines through.
EPIC5’s longstanding connection with Lahaina serves as a testament to the community’s strength. In the face of heartbreak, a wave of compassion and determination rises. While our hearts ache witnessing the hardships faced by the community, families, small enterprises, and all those impacted, we also see remarkable stories of support and courage. Together, we will help rebuild, restore, and uplift, proving that even in the darkest moments, the human spirit remains unbreakable.
π€ How You Can Make a Difference
Donate directly to the Vierra family
Please help support one of our EPIC5 ohana & his family. Read more about Charles and the Vierra family below & on their GoFundMe page.
Like so many other families in Lahaina, we have lost our generational home. Our great tutu, Annie Kanuawailani Akana Vierra, built the house nearly 100 years ago, becoming one of the first to own a home in Lahaina in the early 1920s. As a child, our dad, who was raised in O’ahu, frequently visited Lahaina to help his tutu maintain the home. Our grandfather, Charlie Vierra, and our dad built three additional homes on the property in the 1970s to create a space for our growing family to call home.
Tuesday, August 8, 2023, everything changed. (continued on the Vierra GoFundMe page)
Join the EPIC5 Virtual Fundraisers
π΄ Virtual Event #1: Anytime, Anywhere
Register for virtual event #1
Date: August 12, 2023 – September 30, 2023
Location: Virtual β Anywhere and Everywhere
Our ohana is coming together for a crucial cause. Over 5 consecutive days (or other days of their choosing), participants will run, hike, or walk from their own locations, uniting their efforts to aid our community members impacted by the devastating Maui wildfires. πββοΈπΆββοΈ
Our EPIC5 team is embarking on this challenge to make a real impact. By connecting virtually, we aim to raise funds that will directly benefit our Lahaina ohana affected by the Maui wildfires. Let’s provide unwavering support, hope, and assistance to our friends and neighbors in need.
Once you have completed your distance, enter the results here. You’ll need your Active.com registration ID number.
π΄ Virtual Event #2: EPIC5 Ultra Run
Join the EPIC5 Ultra Run, virtual edition to support the Hawaii Community Foundation: Maui Strong Fund. You’ll be running the same week as the EPIC5 athletes who are doing the Ultra Run in person. Let’s combine energy and fundraising efforts to make a collective difference.
Each runner will have your own personal fundraising page, and 100% of the funds raised go directly to the Community Fund.
Maui Strong Fund grantee details and application link can be found here.
When: October 2-6, 2023.
Location: Virtual
Single 50k Distance: 50k distributed between Oct 2-6
Full Distance: 5-50ks, one per day for five days
Cost:
$250 registration fee (includes donation, tee & boco hat), or
$50 registration fee + fundraise:
- $500 (includes tee)
- $1000 (includes tee, boco hat, 40L limited edition ultrarun drybag backpack)
REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON
Donate
No matter the amount, your contribution will directly assist our community members who are struggling due to the wildfires. Help us reach our fundraising goal and create meaningful change.
DONATESponsor an Athlete
We are offering the following swag incentive donations:
Donation: MauiStrong Wristband
Donation: MauiStrong Tee
Donation: MauiStrong Tank
Support Maui Online Businesses
**Maui local businesses need your support! Click HERE for a list of online shops.**
Spread the Word
Share the news about the EPIC5 Virtual Fundraiser. The more people who know, the stronger our efforts to support our Lahaina ohana.
Feel free to include hashtags #EPIC5VirtualFundraiser #MauiStrong #LahainaLove
Provide Encouragement
Follow our journey online, show your support, and send motivating messages to keep us motivated and moving forward.
Thank you for being a part of this meaningful initiative.
Your support strengthens our resolve to create a meaningful impact in the lives of our community members who need it urgently. ποΈπ
π Together, we can offer vital aid to our cherished Lahaina community impacted by the Maui wildfires. Together, we can help rebuild lives and ensure a safer, brighter future for all.
Supporting our Lahaina ohana: Charles as seen here w/EPIC athlete Joe Jaffe, 2018
