My name is Matt Gerbers and I'm starting this GoFundMe for my friend Benny Reinicke.
Please click the below YouTube link to watch Benny's story on Good Morning America.
Benny survived the Lahaina fires on 8/8/2023, but his car, his home, and nearly all of his belongings were destroyed. He is currently without work as his job in Kaanapali has also been impacted by the fires. His heroic story has been featured on Good Morning America and ABC News.
As the fires engulfed downtown Lahaina and people frantically started jumping into the ocean, Benny came to the aid of several people. Among the people he rescued were a man with disabilities, an 88-year-old woman, a family in a van, and a daughter and her mobility-restricted mother. The mother who uses a walker, was having trouble making it over the seawall so Benny carried her over the seawall and into the water on his back. He then stayed there in the ocean with the group for over eight hours until they were all rescued.
Benny is a friend and great training partner at 808 Jiu Jitsu in Lahaina. When I first got in contact with him after the fires he was staying on a friend’s couch. I was surprised he didn’t already have a GoFundMe so I am setting this one up. Any donations will go directly to him to help him get back on his feet.
Anything you can contribute is greatly appreciated.
Organizer and beneficiary
Biniam Reinicke
Beneficiary