Rotary Club of Boise Southwest raises $16.8K for Lahaina healing and rebuilding

Deeply moved by the news of the Aug. 8, 2023 wildfires, Andrea Thornton, member of the Rotary Club of Boise Southwest Idaho, and her husband, Jim Kokaly, decided to collaborate with the West Maui Rotary clubs to provide aid to those affected.

To raise funds for the Maui Fires Relief Projects, a vibrant lūʻau-themed dinner and dancing fundraising event was organized at the Barber Park Event Center in Boise, Idaho on May 10. At this special evening, a unique “raise the paddle” experience was offered to the attendees, with the aim of garnering support for the cause. The event attracted 200 community members, and the outcome surpassed expectations as the “Raise the Paddle for Maui” initiative managed to generate $16,800 in funds.

During their recent vacation in Maui, Thorton and Kokaly took the opportunity to meet with members of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise and the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset on Tuesday, Aug. 6. They presented each club with checks representing the generous donations from the fundraising event in Boise.

The West Maui Rotary clubs will now identify projects that benefit the fire survivors, focusing on areas such as mental and behavioral health, vocational assistance, and the environment. It has been reiterated that all future projects funded by these donations will align with Rotary’s core areas of focus and that 100% of the funds raised will be allocated toward recovery efforts, according to Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset.