A friendly promise… Mahalo!

Hello, my name is Jeff Edwards and I live in San Luis Obispo. My partner at the time, John and I moved here about 15 years ago and at that time, one of our first true friends came into our lives. Erin Cook, became family to us rather quickly. We spent birthdays, holidays along with lots of everyday events that one shares with those close to us. A Cal Poly graduate, Erin worked as a manager at Starbucks, giving John his first job that he now holds a manager position with. Erin is the epitome of hard work, teamwork and setting the standard for success.

The thing about Erin that I most admire is her love of community. She watched her mother survive cancer and decided to help start the Relay for Life in Nipomo. She also has been involved with a local Sisters Kitchen, volunteered with CASA of the Central Coast, local beach cleanups and countless other events to help support the community. She also was a board member for my non profit, Candles for Kids, which throws birthday parties for underprivileged youth.

Erin took a career change in 2020. She moved to Lahaina, Maui and had found true love for the beauty of the people and scenery. As we all know, Lahaina and the lives of its residents have been turned upside down this past week. Erin is still in Lahaina as we speak. Erin was dismissed from her job because of the wild fires and with the cost of living and zero assistance for this catastrophe, my friend Erin needs our help. As she would, she is working hard to help others in Hawaii by volunteering through an organization handing out supplies, water and essential items to the residents who have lost everything.

When we think of these catastrophic events, most of us are unaffected by the events that have affected so many. This time, for myself, it hits close to home because Erin is family to me. As most of you know, every year I host my birthday party with hundreds of you in attendance, celebrating life and the love that I have for it. I cannot do that this year while my friend is not able to know whether she will be able to have lights or power on in her apartment, food on the table or a place to call home. She gives of herself, selflessly to others who have been in the same predicament. I am forgoing any birthday celebration this year and ask that in lieu of any sort of gifts or celebration that you please give from your heart to my friend Erin Cook. All monies raised will go directly to help Erin pay for rent and bills along with providing food on the table for her. It is unknown how long the unemployment will last. She has been a trailblazer in this world and has given tirelessly to people right here in the Central Coast. We can celebrate together ant another time and make it even more epic. But for now, this is the right thing to do. I ask each and every one of you, even if it’s just a few dollars, to give to this cause which is so very close to my heart. Thank you all and love one another.