The Kaleikini 'Ohana

After being affected by the Lahaina wildfires and facing displacement, the Kaleikini 'Ohana sought help for their children. In collaboration with Dickson Performance, The Underdog Foundation provided free performance training and gym memberships. Here is their heartfelt testimonial:

"The Underdog Foundation helped our children stay focused both mentally and physically. They were able to keep moving forward in their lives after experiencing the devastating Lahaina fire, thanks to the support of incredible coaches and teammates who pushed them to reach their highest potential. As parents, witnessing our children's growth has been such a blessing. Thank you, Coach JoJo and Coach Matt 🙏🙌🤙"

The Hargis 'Ohana

After the Lahaina wildfires devastated their work and disrupted their income, the Hargis family faced challenging times. With a baby on the way, one daughter entering her senior year of high school, and another starting high school, they were confronted with difficult decisions amidst great instability. The Underdog Foundation, in collaboration with Dickson Performance, stepped in to offer free performance training and gym memberships for their daughters as the family worked to regain their footing. Here is their heartfelt testimony:

"The Underdog Foundation has been a transformative force for my family. Through their programs, my daughters have blossomed both physically and mentally as athletes and students. The foundation has instilled a sense of accountability in them, teaching valuable life skills that extend beyond sports. They’ve learned to embrace challenges, set goals, and discover their true potential. The support and mentorship provided by the Underdog Foundation have not only enhanced their athletic abilities but also fostered personal growth and resilience. I am incredibly grateful for the positive impact this organization has had on my daughters’ lives, shaping them into confident individuals.

My oldest daughter has received multiple volleyball scholarship offers, and we’re still in the process of making a choice because more opportunities are coming in, all thanks to the Underdog Foundation.

My other daughter's level of play has surpassed most girls her age, and she’s been invited to join other teams as a freshman in high school. This too is due to the incredible support of the Underdog Foundation.

Mahalo, Underdog Foundation. There are no words that can fully express how grateful we are."

The Nicholls 'Ohana

After enduring the Lahaina Wildfires, the Nicholls family found themselves in limbo, struggling to regain normalcy in the aftermath. With family members lost and a home too damaged to live in, they faced displacement and uncertainty. The Underdog Foundation, in partnership with Dickson Performance, stepped in to cover the family's performance training fees and gym memberships, providing them with a sense of consistency. Here is their testimony:

“The Underdog Foundation helped our family find strength and grounding by allowing us to continue training with Dickson Performance. Their generous donation gave us a sense of normalcy after our Lahaina community suffered a devastating loss.

Our family relocated numerous times after the fire, and amidst all the uncertainty, changes, and the loss of a few family members, Dickson Performance became a place we could turn to, no matter what was happening. It was a space to take a ‘pause’ and reset our minds to keep pushing forward. The workouts created by Coach Jojo pushed us beyond our limits, helping us become stronger both mentally and physically.

It's a space he created for my kids and young athletes to develop, and also a place for any adult, regardless of age, to try and better themselves. Mahalo to The Underdog Foundation for helping us thrive and move forward. We deeply appreciate Dickson Performance, Coach Jojo, for your guidance, knowledge, and unwavering support for our community. Most of all, thank you for providing us with a place that felt like home. For that, we will be forever grateful!”

The Kukahiko-Kaehuaea ʻOhana

After being displaced by the Lahaina Wildfires, the Kukahiko-Kaehuaea ʻOhana faced the challenge of finding stability in an unfamiliar environment. Their priority was to shield their children from the burden of the situation. The Underdog Foundation, in partnership with Dickson Performance, stepped in to offer free training for their children, providing them with an outlet for recovery and giving their parents a sense of comfort as they all learned to process their experience. Here is their testimony:

"I write this letter with heartfelt appreciation and mahalo to Jojo Dickson, the Dickson Performance staff, and The Underdog Foundation.

After the August 8 wildfires that swept through Lahaina, we found ourselves living in Kahului. Although our home wasn’t burned down, it was in the burn zone, so we had to complete repairs and testing before returning home six months later.

We were in search of a training facility to help our kids elevate their athleticism and discovered this program. We initially enrolled our son, but upon learning that we were from Lahaina, Coach Jojo graciously waived all training fees for both our son and daughter for eight months through The Underdog Foundation.

The training program itself is second to none. My kids grew in so many ways, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. Their athleticism improved drastically, but more importantly, their confidence and work ethic soared.

Our ʻOhana feels incredibly blessed to have crossed paths with such a gifted and giving individual. We are forever thankful for Jojo and The Underdog Foundation."