(WSB photo: Tommy Andrade at Saturday’s Admiral Funktion)

Earlier this year, we told you about Tommy Andrade, proprietor of <strong>Southpaw Barbershop, and his program providing free haircuts for foster kids. Now he’s broadened it into a coalition beyond West Seattle – and he wants you to know in case you’re either interested in joining or know someone who could take advantage of the services:

As you may know I am a proud supporter of and advocate for foster kids and have been doing free haircuts for them since I graduated barber college.

When I opened my shop I was excited to further my commitment to making a change by expanding my availability for the free haircuts and instill giving back as part of my company culture. I was happy that instead of being a one-man show that all of the barbers working with me also offered their services. However, I couldn’t help but feel as though I could do more. Realizing that it is not always convenient for the families to come to West Seattle and that me opening shops everywhere was not currently feasible, I thought about reaching out to others who would have my same mentality of giving back.

Thus Friends of Southpaw was thought of. I reached out to my dear friend Heather Goss with GGD Creative who took on the project pro bono because she also had the same kind of heart. Together we built friendsofsouthpaw.org. We now have a network of barbers and stylists from West Seattle to Olympia, Tacoma, and as far as Austin and Galveston, TX. We have people from San Francisco, California, Portland, Oregon, Everett, Auburn, and Kent being added next week. What started also as a platform for mostly free haircuts has also turned into others offering services such as free swim lessons, discounted automotive services and apprenticeships to kids aging out of the system.

We are excited to see this grow!

If you’re interested in either joining Tommy’s coalition or arranging for services, go here to send a message!

WestSide Baby, the nonprofit that has long helped kids and their families in this area, wants you to know it welcomes donations and volunteers. From interim executive director Laura Skelton asked us to share this announcement:

WestSide Baby is back to regular donation and volunteer hours.

Donation Hours:

We are happy and grateful to accept donations on Tuesday (9 AM-7 PM), Wednesday (9 AM-5 PM), and Thursday (9 AM-4 PM). More info about donating items here: westsidebaby.org/donate-items

Volunteer Hours:

We have volunteer shifts on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays. More info and a sign-up link here: westsidebaby.org/volunteer

We ramped up our bulk diaper program in the past year, which is a new way to meet community needs. We are distributing pallets of diapers to about 35 partners on a monthly basis.

In the first half of 2023, we fulfilled about 450 orders each week. These represent specific requests from our community partners, on behalf of their individual clients.

WestSide Baby is best known for distributing diapers but that’s by no means all they handle, as you’ll see by following the donation-info link above.

(Lahaina on Wednesday – photo by Dominick Del Vecchio, via Wikimedia Commons)

Three more local events will raise money for Maui fire relief:

FUNDRAISER YARD SALE, SATURDAY & SUNDAY: 9 am-1 pm both days this weekend (August 19-20), Laura is hosting a benefit yard sale: “All proceeds from the sales will go to the Hawaii Community Foundation- The Maui Strong Fund.” Look for it on 37th SW between Charlestown and Andover.

FUNDRAISING DINNER, AUGUST 26TH: One week from tomorrow, during a membership drive from 2-11 pm, the West Seattle Eagles (4462 California SW) are having a Hawaiian Aloha Dinner with proceeds to support Maui Fires for $14. Live music too – the band Tikigraphics will play from 5-9 pm. The Eagles announcement says, “All interested in finding about the Eagles and our motto of People Helping People are welcomed.” Questions? secretary@westseattleeagles.org or
wseaglesnewsletter2643@gmail.com

SOUND BATH, AUGUST 30TH: Announced by Maari Falsetto of Inner Alchemy:

Inner Alchemy will host a Sound Bath for Maui fundraiser on Wednesday, August 30th from 6-8 pm at Me-Kwa-Mooks Park on Beach Drive. Everyone is invited to this free event.

We will create a community mandala to send our love to the people of Maui. There will be links available for on the spot donations to provide financial support to all who are in need and Maari will provide a community Sound Bath so we can unite in peace and send vibes of Aloha to the people of Maui.

What is a Mandala?

A mandala is a symbol of the universe in its ideal form, and its creation signifies the transformation of a universe of suffering into one of joy.

Arrive at 6 pm to join in the community Mandala creation. Bring flowers, flower petals, leaves, sea shells, rocks, or anything else you have to add to the Mandala.

The Sound Bath will begin at 7 pm. Bring yoga mats, pillows, or chairs for comfort.

You are encouraged to ride your bikes or walk to the park as car parking is somewhat limited.

Any questions reach out to Inner Alchemy at www.inneralchemytt.com.

In Maui, last week’s catastrophic fires are now known to have taken at least 99 lives and done at least $6 billion in damage. People around the world are reaching out to help, including here in West Seattle, where we have updates and reminders:

FLEURT FUNDRAISING AUCTION: The Junction boutique at 4536 California SW is having an auction, Fleurt’s Keonii tells us:

Join us in supporting Maui’s recovery. We will be hosting an auction this Thursday 8/17 to Sunday 8/20 for a stunning 10″ Bird of Paradise and Pikake Jasmine candle. The highest bid contributes 100% to the Maui Humane Society’s vital work. Available for delivery in West Seattle or pick up at the shop.

They’re taking bids on social media, but you can also participate in other ways: “People can also come into the shop, email, or call with their best and final bid because people on social media will keep upping their bid price. We will collect their name, contact info and their best/final bid.” Fleurt’s hours and contact info are at fleurtcollective.com.

‘MUSUBI FOR MAUI’ TOTAL: Last weekend’s fundraiser at Marination Ma Kai and its sibling restaurants was a big success, with the help of a match from a West Seattle family:

We went into the weekend with a goal of raising $20,000 in two days. We didn’t hit that goal but instead we exceeded it due to the incredible outpouring of support from all of you and the amazing generosity of the Arakawa family.

Total Musubi Sold: 2930
Cash Received: $1,439
Arakawa Family Match: $15,000
TOTAL RAISED: $30,356.50

Continuing local fundraisers, from our previous roundup:

GRILLBIRD: The teriyaki restaurant (35th/Morgan) is inviting customers to “round up” their tabs so the extra can be donated to Maui relief – through the end of August.

ALAIR/DYLAN: The South Admiral shop (3270 California SW) will send you a 10 percent discount code if you message them with word you’ve donated to Maui fire relief.

ARTIST FUNDRAISER: West Seattle artist Eileen Jiminez is donating proceeds from sales at MaeseArt “to mutual aid efforts in Maui and to directly impacted native Hawaiians.”

ROTARY DONATION FUND: There are many options for donating money rather than goods. Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s Brian Waid invites support for “the Hawaiian Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund managed by Rotarians in Hawaii at www.rotaryd5000.org; the Rotarians do not charge anything for administering the funds and do not siphon off a percentage for a national organization.”

CHURCH DONATION FUND: West Seattle has three UCC churches and one parishioner has pointed out the denomination is supporting this fund.

OTHER MONETARY DONATION OPTIONS: The State of Hawai’i has an official information page about the fire aftermath, and it includes these two links:

Maui Strong Fund
Hawai’i Red Cross

Any other local (West Seattle/White Center) ways to help, please email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com so we can add to this list – thank you!

As of tonight, the confirmed death toll in Maui is at 89 people, with hundreds still missing. Local businesses and organizations are continuing to offer ways to help, so we’ve updated our list:

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A post shared by Marination LLC (@marinationsea)

MUSUBI FOR MAUI: Marination Ma Kai (1660 Harbor SW) and its sibling restaurants will sell Spam musubi again Sunday for $4.50, with all proceeds going to Maui relief. (If they run out before day’s end, they’ll donate a portion of other food sales.)

OPAL’S DONATION DRIVE: Opal Nail Studio at 4155 California SW is collecting items for shipment to Maui. They amended the list (update) tonight via email:

Just wanted to give an updated list of items we are asking for at the Maui Fire Relief Donation Drop-Off. I will be at Opal for people to drop things off from 11AM – 4PM

Updated item list:

• Clear, undamaged storage bins with lids
•Portable Power Banks/phone chargers
• Flashlights
• Headlamps
• Camping Lanterns
• Batteries
• Solar chargers
** Request that all are new or in like-new condition**

• NEW and never opened air mattresses
• NEW pillow cases and sheets
• NEW towels or towels in good condition
• NEW Washcloths or Washcloths in good condition

• Tarps
• Pop-Up Camping Cots

• Baby Formula
• Squeeze pouches of baby food

• NEW packs of women’s underwear **all sizes**
• NEW packs of men’s underwear **all sizes**
• NEW packs of children’s underwear **all sizes**

We are no longer accepting clothing donations, bottled water, large blankets, or sleeping bags.

Opal is open 11 am-4 pm Sunday.

CAMP WEST: Again on Sunday, the restaurant/bar at 4539 California SW in The Junction will donate 10 percent of its proceeds from food sales to the Maui Food Bank.

PATRICK’S CAFE & BAKERY: On Sunday, when this popular eatery at 10003 15th SW in White Center is open 8 am-3 pm, they’ll be donating proceeds from shave ice.

CROSSFIT WEST SEATTLE: Through 11 am Sunday, they’re accepting items at 4220 SW Admiral Way. The updated list, developed with a friend from Maui, is here, and a request for how to package items for shipment ease is here.

GRILLBIRD: The teriyaki restaurant (35th/Morgan) is inviting customers to “round up” their tabs so the extra can be donated to Maui relief – through the end of August. They’re open noon-9 pm Sunday.

ALAIR/DYLAN: The South Admiral shop (3270 California SW) will send you a 10 percent discount code if you message them with word you’ve donated to Maui fire relief.

(added) ARTIST FUNDRAISER: West Seattle artist Eileen Jiminez is donating proceeds from sales at MaeseArt “to mutual aid efforts in Maui and to directly impacted native Hawaiians.”

ROTARY DONATION FUND: There are many options for donating money rather than goods. Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s Brian Waid sent this announcement of how to help Rotarians assisting with relief in Hawai’i:

To get money directly into the hands of the people on the ground quickly, consider the Hawaiian Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund managed by Rotarians in Hawaii at www.rotaryd5000.org; (The number 5000 refers to the District within Rotary International that Hawaii comprises).

The Rotarians do not charge anything for administering the funds and do not siphon off a percentage for a national organization. Having been heavily involved with Hurricane Katrina relief, I can assure you that the needs on the ground frequently do not correspond to what we might anticipate from far away. By making cash contributions to those on the ground, we allow the flexibility to address needs specific to this disaster as they become apparent.

OTHER MONETARY DONATION OPTIONS: The State of Hawai’i has an official information page about the fire aftermath, and it includes these two links:

Maui Strong Fund
Hawai’i Red Cross

Any other local (West Seattle/White Center) ways to help, please email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

On Thursday, we mentioned that Marination would sell musubi all weekend to assist survivors of the Maui fires that have killed dozens, with hundreds missing. Today, more West Seattle businesses have announced plans to help:

CAMP WEST: Through Sunday, the restaurant/bar at 4539 California SW in The Junction will donate 10 percent of its proceeds from food sales to the Maui Food Bank.

OPAL STUDIO: Opal Nail Studio at 4155 California SW is collecting items for shipment to Maui:

They’re open until 7 pm tonight and 11 am-4 pm both days this weekend,

GRILLBIRD: Two readers have pointed out that the teriyaki restaurant (35th/Morgan) is asking customers to “round up” their tabs so the extra can be donated to Maui relief – through the end of August.

ALAIR/DYLAN: The South Admiral shop (3270 California SW) will send you a 10 percent discount code if you message them with word you’ve donated to Maui fire relief.

Know of anyone else? Please email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – so we can add!

ADDED: Update on Musubi for Maui, from Marination:

We are so excited to say the first 1,250 musubi sold (Saturday) will be matched thanks to the generosity of our West Seattle neighbor, Geoff Arakawa. This will increase our donation significantly and strengthen all of our efforts to help Maui recovery efforts.

The team is working so hard to make sure we’re prepared for you all tomorrow and we are giving you the biggest MAHALO ahead of time for showing our staff patience. If we happen to run through musubi before you get here we’ll be donating a portion of food sales …

PATRICK’S CAFE & BAKERY: On Sunday, when this popular eatery at 10003 15th SW in White Center is open 8 am-3 pm, they’ll be donating proceeds from shave ice.

The holiday season is still four months away, but The Christmas People would love to see you at a summer event in West Seattle later this month. Here’s the invitation just added to the WSB Event Calendar:

The Christmas People will commemorate 25 years of service to homeless people, seniors, and veterans on Sunday, August 27 from 3 to 8 pm at Alki Masonic Center, 4736 40th Ave SW.

Linda Norlander, RN.MS, Robert Wood Johnson fellow, will be guest speaker; Carnegie Hall soprano Claire Stadtmueller and Adam Creighton will provide entertainment. Buffet will be at 6 p.m.

No tickets, free will offering but reservations are required. Contact Rev. Fred Hutchinson, co-founder, at 206-719-4979 or pialley@jps.net. Seating is limited: first come, first served. All volunteers, Christmas Cookie bakers, drivers, and civic-minded community members are invited and encouraged to attend.

If you have nonperishable food to share, Admiral Church invites you to bring it over and contribute to its summer donation drive for the White Center Food Bank. A bin is open in the church lobby (4320 SW Hill) 10 am-1 pm today and Tuesdays through Thursdays plus Sundays; church volunteers are outside to accept drive-by/dropoff donations 10 am-noon Mondays and 2-4 pm Thursdays. Here’s a list of what’s most needed. The donation drive continues through the end of August.