Local Artisans & Vendors Of Maui Craft Fair

Aloha, as you all may well know by now, Maui was hit with several wildfires last Tuesday day and night from the 70-80 mph winds from Hurricane Dora that caused many down power lines across the island which started multiple fires, and due to the strong winds these fires turned into devastational wildfires in minutes. The most devastation was in Historic Lahaina Town on west Maui, where 90% of the town is gone. Everything burned to the ground, schools, churches, homes, businesses, banks, gas stations, grocery stores, and even the ships and boats in the harbor. The governor has declared Maui a national disaster and the President signed relief funds, but we all know how long these things take. Lahaina residents lost everything, loved ones, pets, jobs, family photos, family homes, and more.

My name is Chad Paranto, and I am the promoter of Maui Gift and Craft Fair that is held in Lahaina every Sunday. Several of my artisans and vendors lived in Lahaina and lost everything, and we are raising money to help these Lahaina residents. Not only have these people lost their homes they have also lost their ability to create art, jewelry and crafts to support their livelihoods. Maui Gift and Craft Fair was just voted in the top 5 Craft shows on Maui in The Best of Maui 2023 and is located at Lahaina Gateway.

I created this Go Fund Me to help these vendors and the money will go directly to these vendors who have been affected. Their names are (from left to right in photo): Len Ramos sells beach covers and wooden epoxy money clips; GeneCastillo-his wife-daugher-and one of their two dogs (the other didn't survive the fire)- Gene made laser engraved wood art shown in photo; Rev Kimo James Kirkman-his wife- and daughters (both his dogs passed away in the fires); Tenzin Chogyl sells unique clothing; Peter and Esmi Bianucci sold hand made jewelry; Jessalyn Manina makes hand made jewelry shown under umbrella in photo. Others with photos unavailable: Sincerity Williams, known as Lani made handmade jewelry and bags; Leslie Grant and family - she sold Hawaiian printed luggage and bags; Ashley Probst did tarrot card readings.

Not only have these vendors and almost all of the Lahaina residents lost everything, but many had to endure the fire in person. If you have seen any footage, you can only imagine how graphic it was for them. Lani had to be heroic with her mom and they jumped into the ocean to escape the fire, later to be rescued by the Coast Guard. Everyone is affected, even those who did not lose their home, the lost their business, job, auto, or more.

So many in need and suffering we thank you for any amount you can give. Please Keep all of our community in your hearts and prayers.

Together we rebuild - Maui Strong!