The Jewelry Stand Maui Fire Support Fund.

Dear friends,

We are a collection of friends of Kat Stout and her family. We are devastated to share the news that Kat Stout's beloved jewelry store, the Jewelry Stand Maui, a treasured local establishment in Lahaina, Maui, has been tragically lost in the devastating August 8th wildfire. The store had been in business for 26 years. Kat, her husband Brandon, and her daughter Rylee are thankfully safe. Their home was not destroyed but they are living through this tragedy in real time. They are also doing what they do best and jumping in, boots-on-the-ground, helping others who fared far worse in their community.

As you know, the town of Lahaina was very quickly burned in the fire. The fires took over 2200 business (Kat’s included) and residential buildings and have displaced thousands. Many perished in the fire, the counts of those confirmed lost currently just under 100 with the list of missing still long. This is proving to be the worst fire in modern US history.

Those that have been displaced either weren’t home and didn’t have a chance to grab anything, or only could grab what was near the door on their way out. In many cases, the displaced have just the clothes on their body, they weren’t able to grab ANY essentials, even in some cases identification, banking information, etc. This is a catastrophic and unfathomable loss to so many. The survivors are literally starting over with nothing. Upon leaving, their only priority was literally outrunning the fire that consumed their town and homes in just minutes.

In true Kat form, pushing her own losses aside, she has jumped in to serve her community. Her husband was out of the country at the time of the fires, but right away Kat and Rylee (her 16 year old daughter) began serving others. They immediately took in others who lost their homes, that are now living with them. They have been delivering essential hygiene, and care products to others in need (medical gloves, water, diapers, formula, feminine products, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, towels, protein bars and other non-parishable food). The needs change on a daily basis. As Kat put it, "stores weren’t prepared for 20,000+ people to need a new toothbrush in a single day!"

The Stout’s have lent a car and given money. She is even trying to figure out how to donate what she feels is an extra vehicle in their home, while recouping some of the asset for her family's unknown needs.

One story Kat shared was when she recently gave money to help someone try and regain their identity. She came upon someone she knows who was able to recover a small piece of his burnt passport, this individual knew he could send that into the government to try and get a new one produced so he would have some form of identification as he had no other. Without batting a lash, she gave this man the nearly $400 in fees he would need for the passport recovery. The needs are so vast. People have a long journey of everything from proving their own identity, gaining access to their banking and financial accounts, finding more permanent housing and regular transportation, re-establishing modest possessions, and rebuilding their lives. They are dealing with physical and mental health needs that are vast. Kat has shared everything from stories of knowing a man whose shoes had melted to his feet from running down the hot asphalt, to those needing mental health medication and support for the first time in their lives just to sleep at night.

Kat surely has a myriad of emotions going on. On one hand, she is grieving the loss of her own business, a labor of love for over a quarter century. She lost the structure, a significant amount of inventory, and the place where she has created a livelihood for her family and those she employs for so many years. She is also grieving the loss of the historic town and so many lives. She knows of some that are missing. She is trying to plow forward and keep a laser focus of helping others.

Kat is one of the most resourceful people we know. It has been said, you could drop her anywhere in the world with the clothes on her back and she would make a life for herself. She would also engage and serve the community. Having met Kat in High School, one friend recalls working multiple mission trips together both domestic and abroad with the church youth group. She has seen Kat many times in action in full service to others. This is in Kat’s DNA. Kat has served the less fortunate, mentored children and adults, taught others the skills of business and survival, swung hammers to help build or rebuild, prepared meals, planned weddings for others, created community, there really aren’t words to describe her history of service and compassion.

Kat will rebuild her business when the time is right. Whether it will be in the same location or elsewhere only time will tell. She will again make jewelry and grace so many with her beautiful and sought after artistry. She is hopeful (although not yet known) that her insurance policy will make her financially whole again with regard to the business assets lost.

There has been an outpouring of love for Kat and her family as well as all of Maui. Kat has been so touched and humbled hearing from so many near and far who have reached out to express their prayers, and concern. From family and friends, to past customers, vendors, and even strangers, so many want to help Kat re-establish but also want to help her help others.

There are so many great organizations helping with widespread efforts in Maui. Kat and her family are certainly grateful for and assisting such organizations as The Red Cross, The United Way, Hawaii Community Foundation, local churches, and so many more. Whether you feel compelled to donate to these organizations directly, or to this fundraiser, your support and love during this difficult time mean the world to the Stout family.

Kat has shared that every gym, church, shelter, place with space and a shower has been turned into emergency housing for others. She delivers supplies, cash and gift cards daily to these community resources as she gets them.

How You Can Help:

Kat has always been a giver. Any ask she’s ever had has not been for herself, but for help in her efforts supporting others. Your direct contributions to this fundraiser can make a significant impact in the community of Lahaina. Funds raised with this campaign will further support Kat and her family’s generous gifts of time and resources to others. They will help to support the additional bodies living in Kat’s home and their needs. Your donations will allow the Stout family to conserve their own assets with a financial future unknown, while allowing them to continue to help others locally.

Every dollar brings us one step closer to restoring the heart and soul of the community. Additionally, sharing this campaign with your friends, family, and networks can help amplify our efforts and bring Kat's story to a wider audience. Your generosity can help bring light to the darkness caused by the Lahaina Maui Fire.

With gratitude

Friends of Kat and the Jewelry Stand Maui