Support Madre Maui’s Mission in Lahaina

My name is Marcia Brenner, and I’m a Functional Movement and Pilates Instructor in Chicago. I’ve been very lucky to have visited Hawaii many times, and I think it’s impossible to miss the palpable strength and love of the community of the people. When the fires broke out on Maui, I was immediately concerned for my friend Amanda Herrera, who was about to open a Pilates studio in Lahaina that had a unique business model: tiered pricing that would make classes accessible those who might not normally be able to afford the benefits of Pilates. Everything about her mission statement impressed me: affordable and accessible for all, a safe space for every body. I was thrilled to follow the development during her build out. Her studio was scheduled to open August 11th. The fires in Lahaina broke out August 8th. For two days there was no response from Amanda, and then on the 10th I heard from her: she and her husband and daughters were safe. Their home and her business were safe, just north of the fires.

But so many others are not okay. Amanda’s two staff members had both lost their homes. Friends and loved ones are still missing, including friends of her children. Amanda is determined to refund money from packages Pre-purchased to those who may now need it for other things, but this means her studio—which she and her husband sunk their life savings into—is put in a precarious situation. Although her landlord is trying to work with her, there will come a point when rent will need to be paid, and her staff members need income, even as they remain homeless.

I believe this studio and it’s services are needed, now more than ever. Anyone who has ever left a Pilates session feeling stronger, more connected, or simply more grounded, knows that this work heals. Anyone who has ever found breath and movement helped them work through trauma knows the critical importance of this work for both physical health and mental wellbeing.

I am proposing we keep Amanda’s dream of serving her community alive by buying classes and sessions for Maui fire survivors and first responders. The funds collected go directly to Amanda, will also help cover studio operating costs, and allow her to pay her two staff members who lost homes (there are also separate funds set up to donate directly to them).

This journey towards rebuilding can begin by helping support health and healing. Consider the words on Amanda’s website (below), written before the fires: “This studio is designed as a form of mutual aid.”

Will you join with this community by making a donation?

Also please consider making Venmo donations directly to her two staff members: @Janice-Tevaga, @Cindy-Masterson-1