PACC Steps Up To Raise Funds for Maui Wildfires
CLEVELAND, OH – AUGUST 16, 2023
Polynesian Arts Council of Cleveland (PACC), a non-profit Polynesian advocacy organization in Northeast Ohio, is hosting A Benefit Lu’au for Maui Relief on Saturday, August 26, 5 p.m. ET at Inlet Dance Theatre, 2937 W. 25th St, Cleveland, Ohio 44113.
As a result of the recent wildfire devastation that has decimated the city of Lahaina on the island of Maui, killing over 100 residents and displacing thousands, PACC has committed to raising funds to help families recover from their tragic loss.
PACC board of directors Annie Patricio and Darren Lopez once called Lahaina home and still have family or friends residing on the island.
“I was just visiting family in Hawaii, and saw my cousins from Lahaina,” said Patricio. “A week after we returned back to Ohio, we saw the devastation in Lahaina, Maui. It was so emotional to see such a beautiful place turn to ashes,” she added.
“I look at current photos and try to see where things once were, and I can’t recognize it anymore,” Lopez shared about his former home. “We even lost the historical museum with ancient artifacts that we will never get back.”
When PACC President Audrey Godoy heard the news and its impact on Patricio and Lopez’s loved ones, she wanted to help. “‘Ohana’ means family. Annie and Darren are our Ohana, and their family is our family. So I want to help any way I can, and so do many others.” said Godoy. “It’s going to take a village to build one back up, and a fundraiser is one collective way we can help from so far away.”
The benefit lu’au features an authentic Hawaiian dinner, Polynesian performances, 50/50 raffle, raffle baskets and more! Tickets are $70, children ages 6-12 are $35 and 5 and under are free. 100% of proceeds will be donated to local Maui residents directly impacted. You can purchase tickets online until Thursday, August 24 at noon. Limited tickets will be available at the door.
If you are interested in volunteering for the event, please complete the event volunteer application.
If you are unable to attend but still want to help, you can contact us at polynesian.arts.cleveland1@gmail.com.
About PACC
Polynesian Arts Council of Cleveland (PACC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to forming partnerships with communities and organizations to perpetuate and preserve the cultures of Polynesia through education, outreach, and performance.
