Lincoln family and business with Maui ties raise money for wildfire recovery

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A Lincoln family joined up with a local business on Sunday to raise money for recovery from the devastating wildfires in Maui.

Chad and Kendra Beeman are originally from the Midwest, but call Lahaina, Maui, their first home.

They lived there when their children were growing up before moving to Lincoln.

The most recent updates on the wildfires report 93 lives lost and more than 2,200 buildings burned down.

Chad said it has been difficult to watch a place they love so much go through this level of destruction.

“It’s not only wiped out so many memories, but it’s just a hard situation for the loved ones that we have in Lahaina and the community,” he said.

The Beeman family in Maui

Chad and a friend, Kyle Winchell, have traveled together to Maui many times.

That’s where the idea for Lincoln Paddle Company was born.

Winchell is the owner of the business, and when the Beemans saw what was going on in Maui, they joined him to make a difference.

“They’ve lost everything,” said Alex Beeman, Chad and Kendra’s son. “The town that we once knew is never going to be the same. It’s really sad.”

The Lincoln Paddle Company rented out paddleboards and kayaks at Holmes Lake on Sunday for $20 each, with all of the proceeds going to the Maui Strong Fund.

Chad said they ended up raising around $3,000.

People kayak for a cause at Holmes Lake on Sunday.

“It’s a privilege,” Kendra said. “It’s been really hard to be so far away and feel really helpless,” Kendra said. “This just feels like a small way we can help the community and still help be a part of building it back.”

The Beemans say every dollar is important, especially for families who lost their homes and much more in the fires.

“If enough people jump in to help, for sure it’s going to make a difference,” Chad said.

He said the family, or “Ohana,” connection between the people of Maui is strong.

So even from 3,734 miles away, the Beeman family will do what they can.

Chad said Hawaii is called the Rainbow State.

“After every storm, you do have that rainbow, and we do believe that Lahaina will come back from this stronger,” he said.

Chad plans to travel to Maui next week to help with the rebuilding efforts.