Hula benefit filled with blessings

Thanks to the efforts of countless people in our church, preschool and community, the “Hula for Holly Benefit” raised over $8,000 for Holly Lundeen’s medical expenses.

Holly was born a year ago with thanatophoric dysplasia, a severe form of dwarfism that affects one in every 60,000 births. Children with this condition are usually stillborn or die shortly after birth from respiratory failure. Holly was not expected to live for more than a few hours. Miraculously, Holly is thriving today, one year later. We believe Holly decided that she needed to show off her bright red hair and beautiful blue eyes.

The “Hula for Holly Benefit”, held May 6, featured delicious food, a festive luau atmosphere and a unforgettable performance by the “Sunshine From Polynesia” dance troop. A group of dancers and drummers from Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood volunteered their time and talent to put on the performance for Holly and the 130 attendees.

The “Sunshine” dancers mesmerized the crowd with a perfect performance of traditional hulas, Tahitian movements, story telling and drumming. Besides their spectacular performance of grace and skill, they went one step further by presenting thoughtful gifts of appreciation to Holly and her parents.

It was an inspiring evening where many people came together from Our Saviors, the preschool, and the local community to show their love, care and support. Juanita Quiban from Sunshine from Polynesia said it was a blessing for the performers to be able to give support to Holly. It’s amazing how God uses many people to bless others. In this case, it was a special little girl with bright red hair name Holly Lundeen.

Donations can still be made to the Holly Lundeen Fund through Frontier/Union Bank, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or the Boeing Credit Union.

Debbie Cooper

Preschool director