Looe Key Reef Resort, located at MM 27, is hosting a fundraising event, “Luau at Looe,” on Saturday, Aug. 26 to directly benefit residents who lost their homes to devastating wildfires in Lahaina, Maui. All proceeds will go directly to residents affected by these fires.
Many residents in the Lahaina area have recently lost their homes due to the fires that began on Aug. 8. As of Aug. 22, the death toll stood at 114, making this the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii since the islands became a state. The Lahaina fire was the most devastating and destructive of the three wildfires that flamed up, with an exact cause still under investigation – but prompting plenty of accusations.
Sugarloaf School teacher and Keys Weekly contributor Jen Alexander is a Maui transplant herself – and fittingly, is one of those spearheading this event.
“I lived and taught on Maui for 15 years. It is my second home and these people are my ohana (family),” said Alexander. “I know so many that not only lost their homes but the school they were teaching at. Looking at the pictures of the charred school I once taught at brings tears to my eyes every time. What are those students going to do? What about the teachers that lost both their jobs and their homes? Where are they going to go? I’ve been seeing my friends on CNN and all over Facebook. It just breaks my heart, and I have to do something for them.”
Feeling hopeless from 4,600 miles away, Jen got together with the staff and owner of Looe Key Reef Resort, Adam Veitenheimer, and is inviting the Florida Keys community to directly support these residents.
“Jen used to live there and knows a ton of people. I know that by raising money this way, the funds will go directly to those people affected instead of to a general fund,” said Veitenheimer. “When she asked if I could help, I didn’t hesitate.”
The Luau at Looe family event will be held Saturday, Aug. 26 at 4 p.m. A traditional Hawaiian plate lunch will be featured including kalua pork, macaroni salad and rice, which is a favorite of Maui locals. A silent auction, costume contest and raffle will complete the luau. Families are encouraged to dress in traditional Hawaiian attire for a costume contest. Local musicians and entertainers for the day include Mckenna Carlson, Ukuleles in Paradise and Spogga Hash, who will perform a nighttime fire show.
Looe Key head chef Markus Dijon said he’s excited to put his newly-purchased grill and smoker to good use.
“We’ve been wanting to break out the new smoker for a while now, so this luau is coming at the perfect time,” he said. “It’s sad that these are the circumstances, but we are happy we can help. We will be featuring barbecue pork, spare ribs and brisket in the future, but we are glad we can help out for this cause.”
In addition to Looe Key, local businesses pledging their support already include SkyDive Key West, Dolphin Research Center, The Bent Prop, Tonios, Broil, Grateful Guitar, Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters, Therapeutic Touch by Chrystal, Benihana, La Trattoria, Bone Island Graphics and Framing, Marathon Mermaid, Phoenix Fab Inc., Mertailor, artists Shannon Wiley and Heather Jones, Bacardi, The Greeene House, Paradise Cafe and The Underwater Photography Gallery. Individuals or businesses who would like to contribute to the luau with a silent auction item or financial contribution, play music or dance may contact Jen directly at fivetenjen@yahoo.com or Venmo @fivetenjen. Proceeds will directly benefit those who lost homes in Lahaina.
For more information, visit www.looekeyreefresort.com or contact 305-872-2215.
