I am starting this campaign on behalf of Garrick Paikai to help him get some financial relief from his growing medical bills as well as his monthly bills and expenses.  Since he is self-employed he does not have benefits like paid sick leave that will help him stay afloat during these rough times.


Who is Garrick?  

Well simply, he’s a great guy.  He’s the guy from the Wholesale Mattress commercials, but really there is a lot more to him then that. Garrick is a pillar of the Honolulu arts community.  He founded On The Spot Improv, Hawaii’s longest running improv troupe.  As part of On The Spot he has taught countless students the art of telling a story through improvisation.  He also created internationally acclaimed shows which he has toured throughout the country.

Most notable of these shows is Hush a completely improvised silent movie style show.  Garrick also founded and is executive producer of Improvaganza, Hawaii Festival of Improv which just celebrated it’s 10th anniversary.  This festival brings in improv groups from around the world to not only showcase their talent, but for them to see the amazing talent we have in Hawaii.  Garrick has helped shape the improv community in Honolulu into what it is today.  


Garrick is also a local playwright.  He’s written and produced numerous works in the local theatre community.  The very popular Jane Austen Zombie Apocalypse which set zombies into a Jane Austen novel.  Most recently he co-wrote / directed the Honolulu Theatre for Youth's show Rudolf’s Reindeer Games: and other holiday surprises.


More recently Garrick has spread his wings and started sharing his passion for board games, old movies, and other geeky stuff with the Honolulu community.  He started a blog and YouTube channel called Aloha Nerd and Geek and also started to do geek themed events in Chinatown.  One example of this is his very successful reading of Shakespeare’s Star Wars during May the 4th celebrations.  He also hosts community board game nights at the Arts at Marks garage.  These are free community building events where people can come and play games they love or learn about new and exciting games from people who love them.  He has just started this venture and I know that there is so much more he can do.


There is so much to Garrick.  He has inspired many and will continue to do so.


Why does Garrick need help?

Garrick was recently in the ER and hospitalized twice in one week due to heart failure and a stroke. Doctors believe that this was most likely caused by a virus attacking his heart because there are no signs of heart disease. While Garrick is out of the hospital his heart is still very weak (it’s working at about 20% of what it should) and he still has a long road of medication, medical equipment, doctors appointments, testing, and procedures to help him fully recover.  

Garrick is also self employed. Being self-employed allows him to be able to do all of the amazing things I mentioned above and more, however it also means he does not have the benefit of paid sick leave.  The doctors have explained that it is important for Garrick to not only take time off of work but to  concentrate on living as much of a stress-free like as possible.  This is hard enough for anyone but when self-employed it becomes even harder.  Unfortunately, bills still have to be paid.  We hope that the money gathered from this campaign will help with the stress concerning where the money is going to come from for bills while he is unable to work.  


Every little bit will help.  I thank you with all my heart for just reading this and taking an interest in Garrick.   Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!