The family of the late University of Hawaii All-American Colt Brennan yesterday announced the establishment of The Colt Brennan Legacy Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF). The Fund honors Brennan’s memory and will support causes that the beloved Rainbow Warrior cared about.
A media release stated:
“We were really surprised and overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we received after Colt’s passing,” said his sister Carrera Shea. “My brother loved Hawai‘i and giving back to the community. Creating The Colt Brennan Legacy Fund allows us to help keep his memory alive, as well as continue his legacy of supporting causes that were important to him.”
While in Hawai‘i, Brennan dedicated much of his time participating in various youth football camps, volunteering as a Pop Warner coach and participating in speaking engagements and visits with youth throughout the islands and the Pacific.
In addition to supporting UH Athletics and youth sports, the Fund will go toward organizations that advocate and provide resources toward making a difference in the lives of individuals struggling with mental health and addiction issues.
“Through Colt’s experiences, our family learned a lot about mental health and addiction, and the lack of awareness and services to support those struggling with these issues,” said Shea. “Even when things would get worse for my brother, he never gave up trying to research facilities and therapies that could help, which is why we also want to support local organizations that may be able to help others in similar positions.”
Donations can be made online at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/colt-fund, with a minimum gift of $25. Contributions of any amount may be mailed by check to the “Hawai‘i Community Foundation” at 827 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, HI 96813; checks must include “Colt Brennan Legacy Fund” in the memo. Questions about the Fund may be directed to HCF’s Donor Services at (808) 566-5560 or [email protected].
Barefoot League and HiLife have also collaborated to design a Colt Brennan Tribute Shirt to benefit the Fund. The shirt is available for $30 online at hilifeclothing.com.
Celebration of life events for Colt Brennan are currently on hold due to the ongoing pandemic and restrictions on social gatherings. If and when it is safe to gather, the family would like to invite the public to attend a paddle out ceremony in honor of Colt, when appropriate. Details to be announced.
“Our family really just wants to say thank you to all of Colt’s friends and fans in Hawai‘i for embracing him and giving him a second chance. We hope we can safely allow others to join us in bidding my brother farewell in a way and place that made him happy,” added Shea.
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