The Story: The Date family (Sanjeev, Lora, and daughters Maya and Jennifer) were on vacation in West Maui during the recent wildfires. The family’s departure was delayed because of the wildfires, and the family witnessed the aftermath of the fires first hand when driving through Lahaina, after it had been destroyed, on the way to the airport to come home. The family wishes to give back to the West Maui community, in part because it owes its safe return to California to the selfless care, dedication and service of the resort staff and community, many of whom lost their homes and possessions in the fire itself.

To help give back to West Maui, Jennifer, Maya and their friend Kaely from middle school decided to start this GoFundMe as part of their school service project. The project includes this GoFundMe, as well as other off-line fundraising activities (so far they have had a bake sale as well). The funds from this campaign will be donated to the Hawai‘i Community Foundation to help West Maui rebuild.

Note on Procedure for Funds Transfer: This GoFundMe is for the benefit of the Hawai'i Community Foundation. However, the "Beneficiary" listed below is Sanjeev Date. Sanjeev is the father of two of the team members, who are minors and therefore not permitted to access or transfer the funds themselves. Sanjeev will be facilitating the transfer of funds to the Hawai'i Community Foundation. This will occur by transferring the GoFundMe funds into Sanjeev’s checking account, and then simultaneously issuing a personal check or official bank check in the same amount from Sanjeev to the Hawai'i Community Foundation.