By Mark Gray
2:13am PDT, Sep 6, 2023
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Paradise burned. On Aug. 8, the Hawaiian island of Maui caught fire due to dry conditions and hurricane weather. Videos show the once-stunning island looking apocalyptic after buildings, vegetation and cars were reduced to ash. The blaze destroyed the historic Lahaina Town and after three weeks, at least 115 people were confirmed dead — with more still missing — making it the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over a century.
More than three weeks after the tragedy, two stars with ties to Hawaii announced the creation of a new fund that directly and speedily helps displaced Maui residents — and they ponied up $10 million of their own money to start it.
"We're honored to announce the People's Fund of Maui, a fund putting money directly in the pockets of those who were affected by the recent wildfires," Oprah WInfrey and Dwayne Johnson announced on Aug. 31. "As we have seen firsthand, the impacts of these wildfires have been devastating, and we're here to ensure with 100% guarantee that your donations will go directly into the hands of Lahaina residents."
"Every adult resident who lives in the affected area and was displaced by the wildfires in Lahaina and Kula is eligible to receive $1200 per month to help them through this period of recovery. All you have to do is go to PeoplesFundofMaui.org to apply," their statement continued. "We are honored to start this campaign with $10 million and ask for your help in donating to those who have lost their homes. We thank you in advance for your contribution."
Keep reading to see how other celebrities are reacting…
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"Heartbroken but our faith and mana is strong. First responders, health care teams, hotels, locals businesses, boots on the ground organizations and all our local heroes, stay strong — we love you and appreciate you. All our local families, our ohana, our aiga, stay strong thru this devastating time. Resilience resolve is our DNA. Our ancestors are in our blood. This is who we are. This is what we do. I love you. Stay strong. More to come." —Dwayne Johnson, in the days after the fires and before he helped create the People's Fund of Maui
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Oprah Winfrey — a part-time Maui resident for more than 15 years who owns more than 2,000 acres of land on the island — handed out supplies at Maui's War Memorial Stadium after it was turned into an evacuation center amid the wildfire crisis. "It's a little overwhelming, you know," she told the BBC. "But I'm really so pleased to have so many people, you know, supporting, and people are just bringing what they can and doing what they can." She's been trying to help people in real time, she said, explaining, "I came earlier, just to see what people needed, and then went shopping because often you make donations of clothes or whatever, and it's not really what people need. So I actually went to Walmart and Costco and got pillows, shampoo, diapers, sheets, pillowcases."
Oprah also took to Instagram to share this promise: "At some point, I will make a major donation after all of the smoke and ash have settled here and we figure out what the rebuilding is going to look like," she vowed. At the end of August, she and Dwayne Johnson announced the creation of the People's Fund of Maui.
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"Halfway through our vacation on Maui we got news that a horrible fire had started an hour north of us. I don't need to tell you what happened next," model Mia Tyler — the daughter of Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler — wrote on her Instagram Story after returning home with son Axton, saying they "barely got out."
"All I can say is, it was way worse than what you saw on the news and online," she continued. "Many people and animals have lost their lives. Homes destroyed. Sacred buildings burnt to ashes. Thousands of locals and tourists displaced. And the horrors those people had to see and experience."
Mia urged people not to travel to the island as recovery efforts continue. "The hotels are helping to home the people of Maui," she explained. "The island needs to heal and does not need tourists taking up valuable resources right now. The only thing we can do is donate to these wonderful people that need us the most right now. Please help. Any penny helps."
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"Please help if you can" —Jennifer Aniston wrote alongside links to donation sites
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Lauren Sanchez, who's engaged to Amazon mogul Jeff Bezos, shared a statement pledging significant help. "Jeff and I are heartbroken by what's happening in Maui," she wrote on social media. "We are thinking of all the families that have lost so much and a community that has been left devastated. Jeff and I are creating a Maui Fund and are dedicating $100 million to help Maui get back on its feet now and over the coming years as the continuing needs reveal themselves."
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"Praying and pulling for our Maui sisters and brothers." —Adam Sandler
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"There are no words to describe the heartbreak that my family and I are feeling for the people of Maui. We called the island our home for over 20 years and remain forever attached to the community" —Sammy Hagar
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"Thinking of all the folks on Maui and fellow Hawaii people. Here's a place to donate. https://hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong" —Ben Stiller
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"It's tough to see some of the images coming out of Hawai'i — a place that's so special to so many of us. Michelle and I are thinking of everyone who has lost a loved one, or whose life has been turned upside down. If you'd like to help, you can do so here." –former President Barack Obama, who is from Hawaii
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"I have no words. Pray for Maui. Alexa and I are working with teams to find the best way for you all to help our community." –singer-actor Carlos PenaVega, who lives on Maui with actress wife Alexa PenaVega and their kids
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"MAUl and The Lahaina community have been my home for several decades. This is a devastating moment for MAUl and many are suffering unimaginable loss. [My restaurant] Fleetwoods on Front Street has been lost and while we are heartbroken our main priority is the safety of our dear staff and team members. On behalf of myself and my family I share my heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the people of MAUI. We are committed to supporting the community and those affected by this disaster in the days month and years to come." –Mick Fleetwood
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"The federal government isn't just sending prayers to the people of Hawai'i — but every asset they need. We're surging aid, resources, and personnel, and will help the state recover for as long as it takes." —President Joe Biden
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"Weird Al" Yankovic and wife Suzanne have a home on Maui. She wrote on Instagram, along with links to help victims of the tragedy, "Our phone line and internet just came back, so just a note to say thank you to those who have been reaching out to us, we are safe. Heartbreaking here but we on the east side of Maui are coming together with clothes, food, shelter and other donations for those affected on this beautiful island."
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Floyd Mayweather has helped more than 100 people who've been displaced by the Maui wildfires. TMZ reported on Aug. 10 that the boxing champ not only paid for 68 families impacted by the disaster to fly from Maui to Honolulu but is also paying for their hotel rooms for several weeks and for food from local restaurants. The athlete is also working with H&M to provide clothing to the displaced families, the webloid confirmed.
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"California will be sending search and rescue teams to assist in Hawaii's recovery efforts. The wildfires and devastation that Maui is experiencing is all too familiar and all too horrifying. We stand at the ready to aid Hawaii in its time of need." –California's Governor Gavin Newsom
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Nicole Scherzinger, who was born in Hawaii, posted multiple broken heart emojis to Instagram.
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"Devastating, to all the amazing Hawaiian people…. Pule no oukou!!!" —Antonio Sabato Jr.
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"Doug and I are thinking about the families and communities devastated by the wildfires in Lahaina and across Maui. We pray for the heroic first responders who are fighting to protect the island and save lives. Our Administration has ordered federal support for response and rescue efforts in Hawaii, and we urge all residents to follow local alerts and instructions during this difficult time." –Vice President Kamala Harris
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"The beautiful island of #Maui in the most beautiful state in the union, is suffering. My family and I send our deepest and most profound sympathies to everyone who has lost anything or everything in the #MauiFires." –Bette Midler
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"I don't know why but it never crossed my mind that this would happen in Maui" –Mia Farrow
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"Prayers for everyone in Maui including my wife and I. We were without power or food since early Tuesday morning. A brush fire(one of many), destroyed Lahaina just 2 miles from where we were staying. We evacuated to other side of Island and were lucky to find accommodations. Been a helluva day. #MauiFires" –AEW wrestler Dustin Rhodes
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"The images coming out of Maui — where wildfires have taken lives and destroyed communities — are devastating. Our thoughts are with all those whose lives have been changed by these fires." —Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
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"Wildfires in Maui have overpowered & closed many of the transportation systems on the island. I've been in touch with Hawaiian officials about response & evacuation efforts. Anyone in affected areas should continue to follow evacuation orders & guidance from first responders." –U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg
