Ronaldo Macedo’s paddle celebrates the legacy of Eddie Aikau.

LAHAINA — The finish line for the Napili Canoe Club Paddle Mania fund-raiser is just around the bend, with the grande finale Gala Auction slated at the Ka‘anapali Coffee Farms Rainbow House on Aug. 14 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

The one-of-a-kind benefit will feature over 40 preowned paddles uniquely embellished by local artists that are on the block for bid by the public.

Contributing artists are Bettina, Brad Huck, Charlie Lyon, Daniel Tancayo (Napili Canoe Club), Deybra, Don Crossley, Fred Lorenzo, George Young, Gordon Schmuhl, Greg Guzman, Guy Junker, Jaisy Hanlon, Jan Kasprzycki, Janet Davis, Jaquelynne Mauvais, Jeanne Denton-Nelson, Jennifer Holt, Ken Loyd, Lisa Kasprzycki, Lynda Towles, Marilyn Maulin, Marylee Sakas (Napili Canoe Club), Michael Orr, Muffie Davis, Peter and Madeline Powell, Ron Howard, Ronaldo Macedo, Steven Lee Smeltzer and Tracy Dudley.

Renowned waterman Archie Kalepa has donated two “historic” paddles to the cause.

Organizers of the event are Carol Elterman, Ellen Fraundorf, Jeanne Gonzales, Marilyn Maulin, Fran Peart Mitsumura, Eugene Tihada, Joey Tihada and Kim Willis.

The goal of the charitable event is to raise money to purchase a canoe for Napili Canoe Club keiki and wahine.

The distinctive works of art are currently on display at Lahaina Cannery Mall through Aug. 12 or can be previewed online at www.napilicanoeclub.com/.

“When going to the mall to view the paddles, be sure not to miss the ones that are in a locked display case in front of Na Hoku jewelry store. These paddles were put there because they are very fragile,” Willis suggested.

Willis updated the Lahaina News on the event’s progress.

“The fund-raiser is going great. The enthusiasm has been rapidly building ever since the public has been able to bid on the paddles on the website. The bids are coming in daily, and one has already been purchased at the ‘Buy It Now’ price.”

The “Buy It Now” price tag ranges from $1,250 to $2,500, with online bidding available until 6 p.m. on Aug. 7.

The Gala Auction Saturday evening is open to the public.

“The auction will be a fun night to admire a beautiful Maui sunset, mingle, enjoy good food and be a part of a memorable fund-raiser,” Willis commented.  

“It will be broken into two parts. We will have a few items offered on a live auction basis, and whatever has not sold prior to the event will go as a silent auction,” Peart Mitsumura explained.

Event emcee and auctioneer is community leader David Allaire.

“We are very excited that he has agreed to be a part of Paddle Mania. It will be an evening you don’t want to miss. We will have entertainment and some great surprises,” Peart Mitsumra added.

The cost is $40 in advance ($45 at the door) and includes entertainment, heavy pupus and drinks. “And don’t forget,” Peart Mitsumura noted, “Napili Canoe Club is a 501c3, nonprofit organization.”

Willis urged the public to participate.

“People should buy the paddles, because it’s the perfect opportunity to own a beautiful piece of art and benefit the Napili Canoe Club at the same time. Every time they look at their paddle, they can be reminded of making a difference for the children riding in their new canoe,” she said.