In a remarkable show of community spirit and resilience, two separate GoFundMe campaigns launched on January 7, 2026, are shining a spotlight on the power of collective action in the face of adversity and the drive to preserve cherished traditions. From the storm-battered foothills of Ashford, Washington, to the sun-drenched shores of Kona, Hawaii, individuals and organizations are rallying to support both a beloved industry veteran and the rebirth of a storied sporting event.
In Ashford, Jerry Smith, a cornerstone of the Northwest automotive community, finds himself at the center of a groundswell of support after his home sustained significant damage in a severe winter storm. Smith, who is also grappling with recent health challenges, has long been regarded as a mentor, advocate, and friend by generations of shop owners, technicians, and leaders associated with the Northwest Auto Care Alliance (NWACA).
Micah Strom, NWACA Collision Chair, didn’t mince words when reflecting on Smith’s influence: “His vision and leadership helped lay the foundation for what we proudly know today as the Automotive Training Expo (ATE), and his influence has shaped generations of shop owners, technicians, and leaders across our region.” Strom’s sentiment, published by Aftermarket Matters, captures the deep gratitude felt by many who have benefited from Smith’s decades of dedication.
The GoFundMe campaign, launched to address the urgent repair needs and temporary housing challenges Smith now faces, has quickly become a rallying point for the community. “Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference during this challenging time. Jerry has spent a lifetime giving back to our industry. Now it is our turn to give back to him,” Strom emphasized. For those wishing to avoid GoFundMe fees, supporters are encouraged to send donations directly to Jerry Smith at PO Box 67, Ashford, WA 98304.
While Smith’s story is rooted in personal perseverance, over 2,500 miles away, the Kona canoe paddling community is banding together for a different, yet equally meaningful cause: the restoration of the Kailua Bay Regatta Course. After nearly three years of silence on the bay due to functional issues with the old course, three local canoe clubs—Kai Opua Canoe Club Inc., Kai Ehitu, and Keauhou Canoe Club—have teamed up with the Moku O Hawai‘i Outrigger Canoe Racing Association to bring outrigger canoe racing back to Kailua Bay. Their recently launched GoFundMe campaign aims to raise the remaining funds needed for the ambitious project, which carries a price tag of $85,000.
Bill Armer, president of Keauhou Canoe Club, captured the excitement and significance of the endeavor, telling Big Island Video News, “No other sporting event stages young and old—from age 10 to folks in their 80s—competing in the same koa canoes on the same course on the same day.” The new course, projected for completion in March 2026, will feature 16 lanes and host events for Moku, the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) high school teams, and a variety of community racing events.
The return of regattas to Kailua Bay is expected to draw thousands of participants and spectators, revitalizing the pageantry and excitement that once defined Kona’s sporting calendar. “It’s a big deal for the three clubs to host their regattas there; it’s their opportunity to shine,” said Doug Bumatay, president of Moku O Hawai‘i. He also noted the project’s broader impact, suggesting it could serve as a model for other course renovations facing similar environmental and logistical challenges.
Environmental stewardship is a central pillar of the Kailua Bay Regatta Course project. Organizers have worked closely with the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the Department of Boating and Outdoor Recreation, the Department of Aquatic Resources, the Army Corps of Engineers, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to secure the necessary permits. The course’s installation will use 3,000-pound concrete mooring blocks, steel sand anchor screws, and a single drilled pin in solid rock—all engineered to protect the coral lining the southern edge of the course. The main underwater trunk line will be in place only during racing season and removed afterward, minimizing environmental impact.
The project has benefited from significant in-kind donations, including surveying and layout services from Wes Thomas and Associates, field assistance from Palani Greenwell of Foresight Engineering & Design, and all nine concrete blocks provided free of charge by West Hawaii Concrete. Jack’s Diving Locker, licensed for underwater work, will handle installation, with Isemoto Contracting assisting in mooring block delivery. An anonymous donor has already contributed $30,000, leaving the clubs to raise the remaining funds through their GoFundMe campaign and other community efforts.
For Kris Hazard, president of Kai Opua Canoe Club and an active paddler, the benefits of reviving regattas in Kailua Village are profound. “The excitement of the colorful racing flags, the beautiful koa wood canoes, the smiles, laughter and cheering of our paddling community—they all bring us together as a vibrant, healthy community to enjoy our state’s official team sport,” she explained. Hazard also underscored the cultural importance of canoe paddling, noting that without regular competition, younger generations might drift toward other activities, potentially eroding a key piece of Hawaiian heritage.
Mike Atwood, paddling coach at Kealakehe High School, highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities the Kona course presents. Unlike the sheltered waters of Hilo, Kailua Bay exposes paddlers to open ocean waves and winds, providing valuable experience and a connection to the island’s natural environment. Atwood pointed out that the bay has hosted BIIF regattas for two decades and continues to serve as a training ground for West-side schools.
Puamaile Kimitete, president of Kai Ehitu Outrigger Team, echoed the sentiment, describing the KBRC project as “very dear to our hearts” and emphasizing the importance of maintaining a space where families—from children (kamali‘i) to elders (kupuna)—can move together as one. “One of our top Hawai‘i sports is hoe va‘a (canoe paddling)—it allows us to move together as a family,” she said, reflecting the deep-rooted sense of community the sport fosters.
As both GoFundMe campaigns gather momentum, they illustrate how communities—whether bound by geography, tradition, or shared experience—can come together in times of need. Whether it’s helping a respected mentor rebuild after disaster or ensuring the next generation can race across the sparkling waters of Kailua Bay, these efforts remind us that collective action can make a tangible, lasting difference.
The stories of Jerry Smith and the Kailua Bay paddling community are, at their core, testaments to the enduring power of unity and the willingness of people to lend a hand when it matters most.
