Post #578182 by TikiShopPua on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 7:43 PM

Aloha TC Friends:

I know it's been awhile since I've "lurked" these threads, but life's been a little different since we closed the doors on our beloved House of Tiki. However, we move on and we're blessed enough to still see some of our dear friends every so often. The reason I'm posting now is that Wes and I are asking for your help. As many of you know, Wes' son Justin, and my son Bryson are good friends. Both have worked at House of Tiki and some of you know them and have watched them grow into fine young men.

Justin and Bryson have a very dear buddy, one of their tightknit circle of friends. His name is Jeff. Jeff, like Justin, I call my son from another mother. These boys do everything together; school, surf, have a jamming garage band that's pretty damn awesome. Anyway, our world turned upside-down last year when Jeff was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 19. Specifically, RMS (Rhabdomyosarcoma), a rare form of cancer that effects the soft tissue and known to effect children more than adults. We thought they caught it early and we had great hopes for his full recovery. Jeff kept positive, had surgery, received chemo and radiation rounds through the past year, his friends always close by his side. Unfortunately, last month, we got the news we had hoped not to hear. Time is now very precious. The boys realize that they have to make every minute count.

Since we got the news, we have created what Wes and I are calling the "Sky's the Limit" list. Kinda like a bucket list, but we like the positive twist on ours better. The point is with the financial hardship all of Jeff's medical expenses have created for his parents, there isn't much moola left to do the life-affirming things that the guys want to do for Jeff. One of his wishes is to skydive and zipline, hopefully over Spring Break, while Jeff is still feeling strong, and hopefully in Hawai'i.

Here's where you come in. Wes has very generously agreed to donate everything left from House of Tiki toward a garage sale to benefit "The Sky's the Limit". Honestly, it isn't much, but there's a few things; some tiki bar signs, some lotions, soaps, perfumes, some CDs, a few mugs, etc. Friends and neighbors have donated all of their knick knacks, unwanteds, and typical garage sale items. One man's junk is another kid's zipline adventure. Capish? We'll also have a bake sale, and we'll do whatever it takes to sell you a brownie or two! So, if you folks have anything you want to donate to the cause, whether it's stuff you'd put out to the curb OR it's a tiki mug (or two) or a piece of art (or two). If you think it would bring a buck (or two), we'd be very grateful to include it.

We're doing this big event on Saturday, March 5th at 3085 Yukon Avenue in Costa Mesa. If you have a minute, come on by. If you have something you'd like to donate to the cause, drop me a line. More than anything, our (Wes', mine, and our boys) heartfelt mahalo. We know that the TC 'ohana are full of aloha and generous beyond measure, and we thank you in advance for even just spreading the news of the event. Any questions, please contact me at tikishop at sbcglobal dot net, and again, I send you the thanks of a mother for her boys.

One last thing; Jeff and his parents don't know anything about this event. He's a really awesome young man who would say; "Oh, someone probably needs help more than I do.." And he wouldn't want to burden anyone. So, we're doing this on the downlow and we'd like to surprise him with the proceeds once all is said and done so that they won't feel bad. Again, thanks for your help and for humoring me through this long message. I hope we see some of you on Saturday if nothing more than to catch up!

Much aloha and malama pono, Pua (from House of Tiki)