A benefit fund-raiser for Bethany Hamilton, the North Shore teenager who lost her left arm in a shark attack on Halloween, is planned for Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kaua’i Marriott Resort’s main ballroom. No appearance
A benefit fund-raiser for Bethany Hamilton, the North Shore teenager who lost her left arm in a shark attack on Halloween, is planned for Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kaua’i Marriott Resort’s main ballroom.
No appearance by the 13-year-old Princeville girl is yet scheduled at the fund-raiser.
The girl and her family have been in seclusion this week at a friend’s beachfront vacation rental, according to a report posted on www. bethanyhamilton. com. Family friends are dropping meals off for the family and taking care of their Princeville home.
“Bethany has been using this time to heal as well as play with her dog Ginger, read letters as well as start some replies,” the Web site states. “Bethany has continued to stay out of the public view as part of the healing process.”
She has also been spending time with friends including Alana Blanchard, who was surfing with Bethany at Tunnels surf break off Makua Beach in Ha’ena when the shark attack happened.
In the report, Blanchard wrote, “I’m stoked that this is bringing everyone together, but I just wish it didn’t have to be through a shark attack. Oh and we are out of lip-gloss as well as Shiseido sunscreen.”
Blanchard and her father Holt Blanchard, who placed a tourniquet on Hamilton’s arm immediately after the shark attack, joined world surfing champion Andy Irons of Hanalei on a visit. Irons is preparing to defend his title against Kelly Slater of Cocoa Beach, Fla. later this month on the North Shore of O’ahu.
Hamilton took steps towards her hopes of being a pro surfing photographer by using her brother Noah’s digital camera to take photos of a monk seal and its pup who showed up on the beach she is staying at.
Noah Hamilton, who is helping to run his sister’s Web site, said in the report, “My sister is the coolest, she has gone through so much and she is still continuing to be thankful to God for her situation. She is just acting like normal teenager, but to me she is bigger than life.” He said as of last weekend his sister had received over 6,000 emails and some 85,000 visitors to her Web site.
The story of the Princeville’s girl’s attack and recovery continues to attract media coverage both in Hawai’i and across the world. The story is being featured along with a photo of the girl surfing at Po’ipu last summer taken by Dennis Fujimoto, The Garden Island’s photographer and sports editor. People magazine is featuring the story this week, the attack had a mention in Time magazine last week and an extensive in-person television interview is expected in the near future.
The Rip Curl Surf Company and a group of family friends and supporters from Hawai’i’s surfing community are spearheading the fund-raising event.
Admission to the event is free, but donations can be made at the door.
A continuous live entertainment lineup at the event is set to feature rock legend Graham Nash, Hawaiian musicians and singers Titus Kinimaka, Malani Bilyeu, Kanaloa, Tommy & Malia, and Revival.
Food and refreshments are being offered at a minimum cost.
The main event at the fund-raiser is to be an extensive list of silent auction items. They include: surfboards from Andy and Bruce Irons, Terry Chung, Mark Sausen and John Delaney; a week’s vacation rental in California; cases of wine; a music CD collection; a stay at the Princeville Resort; and a long list of other items.
Proceeds from the event are going to help pay for Bethany Hamilton’s rehabilitation and prosthetic care.
Cash donations are being accepted at the First Hawaiian Bank’s Lihu’e branch; donations can be mailed to the Friends of Bethany Hamilton 423 Rice Street, Lihu’e, Hawaii 96766. Donations are also being received by the Hanalei Surf Company, Friends of Bethany Hamilton, P.O. Box 790, Hanalei, Hawaii 96714.
Silent auction items can be dropped off at Hanalei Surf Company, M. Miura Store in Kapa’a, the Deja vu Outlet at Kukui Grove Shopping Center and at Nukomoi Surf Company in Po’ipu. Volunteers are needed at the event. For more information contact Jill Smith, chairperson at mailto: ajs.jill@verizon.net.
