ABOUT KAHUNA CARES FOUNDATION

Inspired by “The Big Kahuna” - Terry ‘Tubesteak’ Tracy

Terry -better known as Tubesteak - was a well-known surfer, writer and creative soul. His contributions to the surfing community helped form the international surfing industry of today. He was best known for defining the surfer lifestyle; walking away from from his 9 to 5 job and building a tiny shack on Malibu Beach (yes, the actual beach) where he lived. He is remembered by his wife, 7 children and his friends for his unique personality, his ability to appreciate those who march to the beat of their own drum and embracing those who live with special needs.

Tubesteak passed in 2012 and in his memory, the Tracy family decided to honor and celebrate their father’s life by creating the first annual Big Kahuna Concert for a Cause. In 2013, the first Big Kahuna Concert was hosted and a large gathering of friends and family celebrated his memory while raising public awareness and funds for programs for special needs kids and adults. A cause that was close to Tubesteak’s heart and the perfect tribute to their father’s life and work helping others. It was a natural progression to begin a nonprofit organization, the Kahuna Cares Foundation, founded by Tubesteak’s daughter Jennifer Tracy.

Kahuna Cares Foundation is a dedicated team of volunteers, friends and advocates working together on a mission to raise funds, which will support and expand programs that enrich the lives of individuals with special needs.

Meet the dedicated team of people who believe that individuals with special needs deserve to live happy, fulfilled lives.

Jennifer Tracy, Founder

I am one of seven children and daughter to the legendary surfer Terry “Tubesteak” Tracy. I began interacting and helping children with special needs from a very young age. My Dad taught me to appreciate and embrace those who were unique.

I started working with kids with autism when I was 7 years old as a best buddie. I remember getting a sign language book for Christmas when I was 8 years old I study that book every day because I knew I could communicate with the kids in the special kids.  I was working in my 20’s in the automotive industry. I was bored, I knew I needed to do something   different, so I started volunteering at a special needs elementary school and I loved it. The principal called me in her office and she said I like to offer you a job and I thought I got my dream job I was so excited. Then I thought oh no there is one problem and I had to share with the principal who was giving me this dream opportunity. I did not have a high school diploma I was 30 years. I said Mrs Shades, “I am really embarrassed I do not have a high school diploma. She said ok don’t worry lets make a plan she called the adult education center made a appointment with a counselor and 6 weeks later I received my high school diploma and I got hired by the school district and I got my dream job which gave me the opportunities to be instructional  aide   and also to be the 1st  ABA tutor for CUSDI have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of special needs kids and typical kids who I am so grateful for and who have taught me so much about life.

Now I provided respite care for 3 adults with autism who love to travel, shop and the beach. Juan, Isaiah and Ali are happy and we run a small sewing business Called Zuggyetc.

If I can help one person with special needs or help give them an opportunity to do something, then I know I am doing my job to help others.

I am so excited to begin this new journey of helping even more people with special needs through Kahuna Cares Foundation. I Know My Dad would be proud of the Kahuna Concert for a Cause events.

 

 

 

Daria Wendkos, Vice president

Daria has always had a love for special needs kids. She got involved with the special needs community 20 years ago living next door to a young man with Autism. To this day they have a great friendship and she still sees him regularly. Daria enjoys giving back to the community and spending time with her teenage daughters.

 

Tammy Jo Leonard, Treasurer

Tammy Jo has been working in the music industry for the past 25 years. She has dedicated much of her life to working and volunteering for nonprofit organizations that raise money so students can own an instrument, take lessons or attend music camps to help fulfill their love and passion for music.

 

KRISTI “REDDA” SAYLER, secretary

Redda is a skilled Social Media Manager with a passion for helping small businesses grow their online presence. With years of experience she specializes in social media management, creating engaging content and building meaningful connections between small businesses and their audience. Redda is committed to delivering results and ensuring every client’s social media presence stands out in today’s digital world. She loves giving back to the special needs community.

 

Board of Directors

Jennie Hitchcock

Jennie is a loving mother to her son and daughter, who taught her the importance of loving and respecting those with special needs. She works as a cosmetologist at the successful hair salon Syrens in San Clemente, California. She is a friend to many and loves being involved and giving back to her community. Jennie is very excited to be working with Kahuna Cares and the opportunity to help those with special needs and their families.

RACHEL PAYNE

Rachel works to help small businesses with their digital presence through creating engaging websites, online content and offering administrative organizational support. She has supported Kahuna Cares Foundation since its conception and believes in raising up the special needs community in any way she can help.