Aloha family, friends and community,

My name is Candice Grimes, I’m the eldest daughter of my Mommy Jolynn or Jojo as most of you know. I’m reaching out on behalf of my Mom, my Dad Alex Grace and my siblings James, Kailey, and Lono.

With a heavy heart and a humble request.

Recently hurricane Lala hit our beautiful Hawai’i and completely destroyed all of Ka’ū. This devastating hurricane took nearly EVERYTHING from my family.

At the height of the hurricane my 2 brothers almost lost their lives trying to save others. They fought through raging neck-deep floodwaters, moving at terrifying speeds, not knowing if they would make it out safely. My mom and all of us were a wreck! Thankfully by the grace of GOD they ALL survived.. but the life they knew before the storm did not.

Their home was destroyed. They lost their animals, food, photographs, important documents, sentimental belongings, and so many irreplaceable pieces of their lives.

With no running water or electricity to properly clean or salvage what remains, mold has already begun spreading through the walls and floors, making their home unsafe, and unlivable.

But…

What moves me the most is that even while facing their own devastation, they have not stopped helping others.

My mom lives modestly and works hard running her food truck. Cooking and feeding people isn’t something she does for work, it’s her love language.

Instead of focusing on what they lost, my family has come together to help feed more than 500 people daily in Ka’ū. That is the heart of my Mom & Ka’ū. That is the meaning of ALOHA and ‘OHANA.

Even after losing virtually everything herself, she is still helping others.

Think about that for a moment.

She has lost her home and possessions.

She needs clothing.

She needs transportation.

She needs somewhere to live.

She needs furniture and household necessities.

She is grieving animals and irreplaceable belongings.

She is facing the overwhelming reality of starting her life over without insurance.

And she is still cooking for other people.

Still feeding neighbors.

Still showing up.

Still asking what someone else needs.

That's my mom.

And now I am asking our community to help us take care of the woman who has spent so much of her life taking care of everyone else.

We have set a goal of $75,000 because my mom and our family aren't replacing one or two things.

They are starting over.

Funds raised will help with immediate and longer-term needs including:

• Temporary housing

• Reliable transportation/a replacement vehicle

• Clothing and shoes

• Beds and bedding

• Furniture

• Kitchenware and appliances

• Towels and linens

• Personal necessities

• Household supplies

• Replacement of essential belongings

• Moving and housing-related expenses

• Food and daily living expenses

• Costs associated with rebuilding a stable home and life

• Other immediate recovery needs as they arise

There will undoubtedly be needs we haven't even thought of yet.

To my Mom, now it's our turn to take care of you.

Shewould probably rather be cooking for everyone else than have us asking people to help her.

That's who she is.

But sometimes the person who spends her life feeding everyone else has to allow the community to feed her too.

You do not have to rebuild alone.

That is why I humbly come to you asking for your help to get my family back on their feet and back into a home.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small & every dollar can help.

And because this devastation extends far beyond our family, your support will also help them continue providing food and assistance to families throughout the Ka’ū community who are struggling alongside them.

Help my family rebuild the home and life they lost—while they continue helping feed the community they love.

If you cannot donate please consider sharing this fundraiser. A share can reach someone who is able to help and that alone can make an incredible difference. We know rebuilding will not happen overnight, homes and belongings can eventually be replaced, but the love strength and aloha of a community coming together during its darkest moments is something we will never forget.

Please help us bring hope, stability and a little bit of normalcy back to my family.

From the bottom of our hearts, Mahalo Nui Loa for every donation, every share every prayer and every person standing with my family and all of Ka’ū during this difficult time.

With all my love and deepest gratitude,

Candice Grimes

Jolynn “Jojo” Grimes and our entire ‘Ohana.. Thank you!