Lily Feeding Displaced Lahaina

Hi, my name is Kathy. I have family that lost everything in the Lahaina fire. I came over to Maui to support family, and to volunteer where I might be needed. That's when I met Lily. I have been helping Lily serve the displaced residents of Lahaina ever since.

Here is Lily's story....

Lily, the owner of the Noodle Bar Lahaina lost her restaurant, along with all her possessions in the devastating Lahaina fire on Aug 8th. Her home, cars, in addition to a nail salon business were completely destroyed. Lily and her daughter, visiting from California escaped the fire by jumping into the ocean. Thankfully they survived and were rescued after 6 hours. Shortly after Lily and her family received temporary housing, Lily decides she/they will prepare hot, healthy Vietnamese food and drink to serve the displaced residents of Lahaina. The people have come to know and love her. They know they can count on Lily’s nutritious, homemade pho and meals... like a warm hug. Everyone has Lily’s direct cellphone number to place their food orders. She always answers her phone no matter how busy she is, and returns phone calls when missed. I have witnessed Lily bring comfort and love to the displaced families and people of Lahaina. She is always available to stop whatever she is doing to give a hug, to greet, and listen to someone's story.

Unfortunately, Lily has been required to move 3 different times to temporary housing, since the fire. After each required move, Lily publicly posts daily on social media where and when she will be serving, her menu choices, and the hours she will be serving that day. Lily cooks around the clock. She has always purchased all the supplies and ingredients needed to feed the community from her very own bank account. Lily expects nothing in return for her nourishing food and drink. Vietnamese Pho, being the staple that she offers most days, with a selection of meats. Multiple times a week she travels to Kahului from Lahaina to purchase what she needs. Additionally, Lily has traveled to Honolulu to order needed supplies, and has pallets shipped to Maui. All, from Lily’s enormous heart. I am honored to know and love Lily, and her family, Tan and Tina. I originally came in contact with Lily through her posts on social media. Shortly after, I traveled over from the mainland to assist her. I now consider Lily family. Ultimately, Lily sees herself as responsible to the people of Maui. Maui is Lily’s family.

Lily is the mother of two daughters. Both daughters live out of state and attend college. Lily also monetarily supports her two daughters by herself, their living expenses and tuition, without help.

I humbly ask people to donate towards Lily's cause. She has been feeding the displaced community of Lahaina for the past 6+ weeks, and plans to continue. She has spent thousands of dollars. I know Lily cannot sustain depleting her personal bank account in this manner forever. My hope is that we can raise enough money for Lily, not only to help her continue to nourish the families of Lahaina, but eventually re-open the Noodle Bar restaurant. Either by purchasing a food truck or finding a new restaurant location. Additionally, finding a permanent place for Lily and her family to live, as her current housing is temporary and can be cut-off at any time.

Sending out so much love and aloha from Maui.

Thank you.

Kathy Markey